The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Tale of the Last True Hermit

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
By: Michael Finkel
Vintage Books, 2018, 203 pg., Nonfiction

Perhaps at some point you have considered abandoning modern society? About leaving all of the hubbub behind to live simply in nature? Would be as simple as we imagine? Furthermore, would you do it alone? When was the last time you were truly alone, away from the world? No phone, no computer, no internet, no car, no lights, maybe a book or some music, but no contact with anyone? How long did this last? Maybe you have never experienced this before at all. But if you were able to live like this, how long would you last before you become lonely or depressed? Hours? Days? Months?

What if it was years? 27 years. Many of us may not be able to cope with that much distance from others humans. Perhaps we would loose our minds, but one man did live on his own. For 27 years in the woods of Maine he lived all alone, with no contact and no help. One day in 198- Christopher Knight willingly left behind his entire life and walked into the woods. He wasn't even sure why he did, he just did. When he emerged 27 years later people were shocked by his story. Some believed him, others said it was a lie. Some people felt he should be left alone, others were furious at him(there had been legends of a hermit around the pond where Knight lived that frightened locals), some believed he had a disorder, others were afraid to be around him. This is a fascinating biography a man who left his whole world behind him, in favor of home in woods.