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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Ken has led an interesting life and this is his memoir. After a bad beating in the street which left him unable to talk or walk for some time, he decided to live a life of adventure. He spent time travelling in Canada and Alaska before returning to the UK and living the life of a tramp / hobo. Eventually he came to build a log cabin in a very isolated spot in the Scottish Highlands and has lived there largely alone for over 40 years.
Some of the writing is a bit... odd. Ken has a certain way of writing and it can grate a little, at least for me. What he has to say though is interesting.
Some of the writing is a bit... odd. Ken has a certain way of writing and it can grate a little, at least for me. What he has to say though is interesting.
The book started off a bit slowly but soon enough became compelling enough to thoroughly engage my interest. What a unique man and unique story. A good read for a snowy week in January.
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Wow, loved it.
(Hated the spooky stories in the beginning)
Particularly enjoyed hearing about his time in Canada and loved the day to day life
(Hated the spooky stories in the beginning)
Particularly enjoyed hearing about his time in Canada and loved the day to day life
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
I really enjoyed this book.
Bless his soul he beautifully encapsulates what it is to fall in love with the beautiful Scottish highlands.
Bless his soul he beautifully encapsulates what it is to fall in love with the beautiful Scottish highlands.
You’ll read about 78-year-old Ken Smith, the Hermit of Trieg, and his 40-year life off-grid in Scotland.
I was curious to discover if Ken chose this life or if it was chosen for him. I wanted to see what modern technology he relied on as he lived off the land and wanted to understand a little about how Ken spent his day.
This book is mostly written in Ken’s voice, sprinkled with his inspirational time in Canada and Alaska before seeking solitude, anecdotes about living alongside and his reliance on nature, and reports of his self-sustaining life.
I loved his attitude about the word ‘can’t’ and how it means that when one door closes it’s simply a conduit to another door opening. I could also understand what he meant when he said, “It’s just that I prefer to meet people on my terms, or rather, I like to be in control of my own day.” I’m much the same way. His aspirations of living to 102 “outside the conventions of mainstream society” are perhaps more admirable than achievable considering how his health is deteriorating.
I much more preferred the writing style of ‘Outsider’ by Brian Popplewell, also featuring the life of a local who chose solitude in the forest.
Regardless, I’m in awe of someone who can live like this. I don’t think I could.
I was gifted this book by Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to providing a review.
I was curious to discover if Ken chose this life or if it was chosen for him. I wanted to see what modern technology he relied on as he lived off the land and wanted to understand a little about how Ken spent his day.
This book is mostly written in Ken’s voice, sprinkled with his inspirational time in Canada and Alaska before seeking solitude, anecdotes about living alongside and his reliance on nature, and reports of his self-sustaining life.
I loved his attitude about the word ‘can’t’ and how it means that when one door closes it’s simply a conduit to another door opening. I could also understand what he meant when he said, “It’s just that I prefer to meet people on my terms, or rather, I like to be in control of my own day.” I’m much the same way. His aspirations of living to 102 “outside the conventions of mainstream society” are perhaps more admirable than achievable considering how his health is deteriorating.
I much more preferred the writing style of ‘Outsider’ by Brian Popplewell, also featuring the life of a local who chose solitude in the forest.
Regardless, I’m in awe of someone who can live like this. I don’t think I could.
I was gifted this book by Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to providing a review.