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The Stranger in the Woods

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The Stranger in the Woods

By: Michael Finkel
Narrated by: John Chancer
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About this listen

In 1986, 20-year-old Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine and disappeared into the woods. He would not speak to another human being until three decades later when he was arrested for stealing food.

Christopher survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store food and water in order to avoid freezing to death in his tent during the harsh Maine winters. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothes, reading material and other provisions, taking only what he needed. In the process, he unwittingly terrified a community unable to solve the mysterious burglaries. Myths abounded amongst the locals eager to find this legendary hermit.

Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life and the challenges he faced returning to the world. The Stranger in the Woods is a riveting story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude and what makes for a good life. Above all, this is a deeply moving portrait of a man determined to live life his own way.

©2017 Michael Finkel (P)2018 Audible, Ltd Maine

Critic Reviews

"An extraordinary story about solitude, community, identity and freedom." (Guardian)

"A meditation on solitude, wildness and survival. It is also, unexpectedly, a tribute to the joys of reading." (The Wall Street Journal)

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Usually I only listen in the car and a book like this takes a few weeks to get through. This one I sat and listened intently with few pauses.

I listened to it all in 2 days

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Just a thoroughly engaging talk of the author's encounter with a very unique person.

Brilliant and thought-provoking

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wanted to know experiences of living so isolated but wasn't forthcoming. narrator was good though

Not bad but didn't really go anywhere

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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.