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  • Out of the Forest

  • The true story of a recluse
  • By: Gregory Smith
  • Narrated by: Dean Friske
  • Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (275 ratings)

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Out of the Forest cover art

Out of the Forest

By: Gregory Smith
Narrated by: Dean Friske
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Editorial reviews

Dr. Gregory Peel Smith now boasts a PhD and teaches social sciences at university. But his journey to success was neither straightforward nor simple. Born into an abusive household in the 1950s, Smith found himself descending into a life of petty crime, substance abuse, depression and homelessness. At that low point, he wandered into a forest in Northern NSW and did not emerge until over a decade later.

This audio memoir, brought to life by talented narrator Dean Friske, will tug hard at your heartstrings and bring a fresh understanding of a forgotten generation of Australians. Smith’s story of living off the land in near-total isolation under the moniker 'Will Power' offers incredible insight into how far off-track a life can go...and how the human spirit can always find its way back.

Publisher's Summary

What makes a man turn his back on society? What makes him return?

For ten years a man calling himself Will Power lived in near-total isolation in northern New South Wales, foraging for food, eating bats and occasionally trading for produce. But who was this mysterious man who roamed the forest and knew all of its secrets and riddles? Some people thought he might be Jesus. Others feared he was a more sinister figure.

The truth was that he was neither miraculous nor malevolent, but he was, most certainly, gifted. And when he finally emerged from the forest, emaciated and close to death, he was determined to reclaim his real name and 'give society another chance'.

Today, Dr Gregory Peel Smith, who left school at the age of fourteen, has a PhD and teaches in the Social Sciences at university. His profoundly touching and uplifting memoir is at once a unique insight into how far off track a life can go and powerful reminder that we can all find our way back if we pause for a moment in the heart of the forest.

©2018 Gregory Smith (P)2018 Penguin Random House Australia

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What listeners say about Out of the Forest

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A fabulous book about a life so far removed from mine

This honest, raw recount of Gregory’s life was so enthralling I talked about it with my family along the way. An emotional book that illustrates all people are worthy of respect no matter where they come from. Congratulations Henson!!

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Great Book!

I listened to this story until 2am. What a life experience! Im feeling happy and proud that it ended well. Wow what a turn. You've never know where life will take you.

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incredible story of overcoming being misunderstood

Was such a compelling story, giving voice to a narrative that rings true to many abused and mistreated Australian children. Was healing to hear and reassuring that people like Gregory P. Smith are doing something to create a shift.

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Gregory P Smith

Absolutely love love loved this book. Getting a small insight into what others have to and can endure. And to come out the other side winning. CHAMPION!

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A very good read

I found this a very interesting read. Based on real life made it even more interesting.
The narrators voice was grating but persist as the tale is good.

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Interesting

Really interesting. Easy to listen to. The first audio book that I have binged in just two days.

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Great Listening

From start to finish...great listening....am glad that I got the book thank you Saturday Morning herald in Spectrum...

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what a story

great book. literally fist pumping at the highs and slumped flat at the lows. very relatable to anyone who's been through trauma.

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What an inspirational man!!

Loved every minute of this book. It brought me to tears on more than one occasion..

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What a life

Dr Gregory P Smith. You are so incredibly inspiring. And what a life you have lived. This book is wonderful, giving insights into many aspects of life that I wouldn't have been privy to. It's hard to believe that someone could have livid this but, I suppose you can't make these things up and is one of the rare times that fact is far more unbelievable than fiction. A wonderful book.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.