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

4.0

Compelling. I liked the commentary about loneliness (for the most part), but the allusions to everyday people wishing they could quit their jobs and live in the woods ring hollow when you forget to mention the driving force behind that, which is capitalism. Capitalism is likely why Chris felt so uncomfortable being interviewed by the author, who was of course using him to make money. Perhaps Chris didn’t like the subterfuge.

It feels like capitalism is a blind spot for many of these nonfiction writers. They’re writing about capitalism, but it’s a fish in water type of situation. They can’t see it. Completely blind to it.

Well-written and engaging. Would be better if more research was involved.