To say Finn has issues is not doing his problems justice. Divorced, distant with his kids, lost a son and his father, an apathetic patient in therapy, has sporadic episodes of rheumatoid arthritis, a job with a VP title that no longer needed him. Only saving grace is his girlfriend Penny, aka the BSW. In attempt to work out some demons, he goes for a little walk . . .on the Appalachian Trail. Starting in Connecticut, he is a SoBo, a southbound hiker. He has some hiking history, but a novice at something like this. No idea how long he'll be out or even what he's looking for or hoping to find or learn. As with most rooks, he packs too much, but takes care of that early on and from then on, the weight of every purchase is considered.
Finn takes the trail name of Polar for his solo trek. Unfamiliar with trail courtesies or what to gather along the trail for food, he exists from one outfitter to the next, quickly learning that he has to take care of the big three of the hike: water, warmth, shelter.
As Polar gets into Pennsylvania, he comes across this old guy, goes by the trail name of Merlin. Cranky old fart, criticizes Polar's cooking while he scoops out seconds. Polar calls him an 'asshole' while Merlin calls Polar a 'dickhead' that eventually become affectionate greetings. Over the miles they develop some semblance of a bond and teaching how to thrive on a hike. Merlin becomes the Bear Claw Chris Lapp to Polar's Jeremiah Johnson. Merlin hikes. That's what he does. Maybe shack up with friends in the 'Tribe,' but basically, he hikes. He teaches Polar how to forage, find water, and in general, how to hike efficiently and live amongst the trees. Along the way, Polar tries to exorcize his demons, trying to figure out what to do when you finish your journey, but still have life left to live.
A copy of this book appeared in my mailbox courtesy of Stark House Press. But I know better. MRB friend Charlie Stella (who publishes his own work with Stark House) had some role in it being sent to me; Stella and Leo are friends. A big thanks to the Knuckmeister for the assist. This one is a top drawer winner on all fronts, especially in how personal the story unfolds with all that's good and tough about the AT standing as a metaphor for Polar's successes and failures as he heads into the trees where bad news can't be heard.
Leo presents this as a novel, but the more I read, it certainly seemed to be a journal rather than the product of one's imagination. It is far, far too personal. Leo lays out Polar/Finn's soul for us to witness, experience, encourage, and hope for, really hope for. If this book gets wider coverage (and it damn sure should), it will no doubt be compared to a Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (movie with Redford and Nolte due in Sept 2015) and Wild by Cheryl Strayed (excellent movie of the same name with Reese Witherspoon); stories where redemption is found in nature. Similarities aside, this is a particularly lyrical presentation, elegantly told, and gently revealed of one man's attempt to find some peace within.
Makes me want to go out and "Have a good hike."
East Coast Don
Glad you liked it, brother. DRL is the real deal.
ReplyDelete