Wanderlust

An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Age

By: Reid Mitenbuler

Narrated by: Peter Noble

The mesmerizing, larger-than-life tale of an eccentric adventurer who traversed some of the greatest frontiers of the twentieth century, from uncharted Arctic wastelands to the underground resistance networks of World War II.

Deep in the Arctic wilderness, Peter Freuchen awoke to find himself buried alive under the snow. During a sudden blizzard the night before, he had taken shelter underneath his dogsled and become trapped there while he slept. Now, as feeling drained from his body, he managed to claw a hole through the ice only to find himself in even greater danger: his beard, wet with condensation from his struggling breath, had frozen to his sled runners and lashed his head in place, exposing it to icy winds that needed only a few minutes to kill him… But if Freuchen could escape that, he could escape anything.

Freuchen’s life seemed ripped from the pages of an adventure novel—and provided fodder for many books of his own. A wildly eccentric Dane with an out-of-nowhere sense of humor, his insatiable curiosity drove him from the twilight years of Arctic exploration to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and from the burgeoning field of climate research to the Danish underground during World War II. He conducted jaw-dropping expeditions, survived a Nazi prison camp, and overcame a devastating injury that robbed him of his foot and very nearly his life. Through it all, he was guided not only by restlessness but also by ideals that were remarkably ahead of his time, championing Indigenous communities, environmental stewardship, and starting conversations that continue today.

Meticulously researched and grippingly written, Wanderlust is an unforgettable tale of daring and discovery, an inspiring portrait of restlessness and grit, and a powerful meditation on our relationship to the planet and our fellow human beings. Reid Mitenbuler’s exquisite book restores a heroic giant of the last century back into public view.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Reid Mitenbuler (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent

An incredible story about a very unusual person who cared about the world and people around him. Great narrator, the only negative was that the book was over too soon.

what an interesting guy!

I didn't know anything about Fruchen before this but he was ak big part of all my favorite non fiction interests. his life makes a great story

Wow, this guy is a real person!

This is one of those books about someone who you say afterward that I cannot believe this person was a real live human being. What an amazing life!

Great story about an interesting man

Great story about an interesting man. An interesting look at early exploration primarily based around the northern arctic regions

A bridge between eras

As the man, this book is also a bridge between periods of time. Complete with rich notes providing nuance as well as credibility to the authors research. The book is understated and slowly brings you to the realization that you are reading a remarkable story. The work of the author is a gift to us. Thank you.

Spectacular experience start to finish

A friend of mine recommended this book, and I am so happy he did. I loved it. A great mix of history, adventure, interesting personalities, and emotion.

A fascinating tale

i had never heard of Freuchen before stumbling upon this book. The cover drew me in and the fantastical stories will stay with me for a long time. I enjoyed the narrator very much. I often get stuck on pronunciation of names and listening to someone skilled say the Inuit words out loud was very helpful. I loved this book.

Living Life On The Edge

Peter Freuchen lived a life that most of us can envy. He was all over the place, and became a larger than life figure.

During his time as an artic explorer, he worked closely with the indigenous peoples, gaining their trust, and visiting places that most had only read about. He was a determined person, defying odds to continue his adventures.
He worked in Hollywood for a time, lectured, and traveled the world.

I absolutely loved this book! I have so much I want to say, but can't figure out how to put it all into words. This was hard to put down, as it was a treasure trip for me, exploring the artic through the pages of a book.

Great story of a man somewhat lost to history

Enjoyed it immensely I thought I knew about polar explorers but learned a lot. What a life! Even fought the Nazis and smuggled Jews out of Europe.

Enjoyable

Fascinating Read and story!! Learned a lot about Artic exploration and explorers. I would totally recommend but not for under 18 years of age.