Many people dream of escaping modern life, but most will never act on it. This is the remarkable true story of a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years, making this dream a reality—not out of anger at the world, but simply because he preferred to live on his own. A New York Times bestsellerIn 1986, a shy and intelligent twenty-year-old named Christopher Knight left his home in … Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the forest. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later, when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even through brutal winters, he had survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store edibles and water, and to avoid freezing to death. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothing, reading material, and other provisions, taking only what he needed but terrifying a community never able to solve the mysterious burglaries. Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life—why did he leave? what did he learn?—as well as the challenges he has faced since returning to the world. It is a gripping story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude, community, and what makes a good life, and a deeply moving portrait of a man who was determined to live his own way, and succeeded.
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I felt a kindred spirit in the “hermit” who is very likeable despite his eccentricities, and the author is a master wordsmith.
I lived not far from this so it was an especially relevant and interesting read for me.
Written by a journalist; this book read like a biographical magazine article that chronicles the life of a hermit after being caught stealing. True story about a loner in Maine forced to abandon his hermit lifestyle and be a productive citizen in a world he does not desire.
I had never read a book about hermits but this was extremely interesting. The author did such a good job of developing the character and his personality. His home in the woods was described in such detail I felt like I was there in the forest. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Very interesting book !
Not a hermit, he was a thief. Author romanized the story.
This book defied the one word descriptive terms offered for review. It is a story that provokes thoughtful questions. Why would someone voluntarily disappear from all society for more than twenty years? Does this divorce from human contact go to a level below our perceived genetic hard wiring which says survival may depend on the safety of the human herd? I admired this man for his ability to find contentment in his own company, with no more of a goal than to keep being alone.
Very interesting account of a truly unbelievable existence. Couldn’t find something in my shed recently and was wondering if someone was living in the woods behind my house. Hard book to put down.
From the first sentence, I could not put it down.
This was really interesting non-fiction about a man who lived in the Maine woods alone for 27 years. As someone who likes solitude (though not 27 years worth!) I found this a really fascinating read. The biggest question–why would someone choose to live this way?–is explored throughout the book though no definitive answer is ever given. Even The Hermit himself doesn’t seem to really know why. Good read, and some food for thought on solitude.