A profound rumination on the concept of freedom from the bestselling author of The Perfect Storm
'Sebastian Junger bears witness to a hard-won and an uncertain new world, framed in vital and brilliant prose: a true and honest accounting of everything that underlies the frantic performance of life' Philip Hoare, author of Albert and the Whale
Throughout history, humans have been driven by the quest for two cherished ideals: community and freedom. The two don't coexist easily: we value individuality and self-reliance, yet are utterly dependent on community for our most basic needs. In this intricately crafted and thought-provoking book, Sebastian Junger examines this tension that lies at the heart of what it means to be human.
For much of a year, Junger and three friends—a conflict photographer and two Afghan war vets—walked the railroad lines of the east coast. It was an experiment in personal autonomy, but also in interdependence. Dodging railroad cops, sleeping under bridges, cooking over fires and drinking from creeks and rivers, the four men forged a unique reliance on one another.
In Freedom, Junger weaves his account of this journey together with primatology and boxing strategy, the role of women in resistance movements and apache renegrades, and the brutal reality of life on the Pennsylvania frontier. Written in exquisite, razor-sharp prose, the result is a powerful examination of the primary desire that defines us.
In this riveting recreation of a year-long journey, Junger and his companions embody the essence of survival, their experiences echoing the social and military aspects of human life. Their story, a unique blend of autobiography and sociology, is a testament to the power of interdependence and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
For fans of Evan Wright (American Desperado), Bob Woodward (The Trump Tapes), John Vaillant (The Golden Spruce), Jonathan Franklin (Cabin Fever), and Joe Simpson (The Beckoning Silence).
