Reviews tagging 'Confinement'

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel

3 reviews

bethsreading's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

My friend had been recommending this one to me for a long time, and I understand why. The book is written by journalist Michael Finkel as he interviews and explores the life of the most dedicated ‘hermit’ in modern times. One day, Christopher Knight leaves his job, gets in his car, and drives until he reaches his home town; once there, he abandons his car in the woods, explores until he finds the perfect camp, and remains there for 27 years, only leaving to steal food for survival from nearby cabins. Until one day, when he is finally caught and arrested. It beautiful and fascinating meditation on loneliness, contentment, and craving solitude in an overwhelmingly social society. 

I really enjoyed the balance between biography and history in this book. I felt like the historical and philosophical musings genuinely enriched my ability to empathise and understand Christopher Knight. His story, both heartwarming and sad, is one I will be thinking about for a long time to come. 

My only issue with the book was its brief but important look at autism. I do believe Finkel did do his best to research autism and give a fair understanding of it, as well as how it could apply to Knight, but I did not find his final depiction to be very accurate. Though I do recognise that this was published in 2017, and research and understanding about neurodivergence has changed a lot since then.  I also felt that at some points, Finkel pushed the boundaries when it came to respecting Knight’s wishes to be left alone. 

I do still wholeheartedly recommend this book and am very glad I read it.   

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Alcoholism

librarymouse's review against another edition

adventurous funny informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

This account of the life of Christopher Knight is an engaging and well-told story about a very interesting man. The questions raised on solitude, it's benefits and detriments, and related prompts towards self reflection make this book more than what it initially appears to be, in terms of it's impact on the reader 

This book is written in a very consumable manner. I read it in one go.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Alcohol, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, and Stalking

Minor: Drug use and Eating disorder

Eating disorders noted as briefly mentioned due to the severe emaciation of Christopher Knight as mentioned to occur after winter food scarcity and during his time in prison

shieldbearer's review against another edition

challenging informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization and Confinement

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Mental illness, Ableism, and Alcohol

Minor: Addiction