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

Wanderlust… my thoughts

This book was recommended to me by a friend. I was mesmerized by this man and his journey. Seldom do I have tears in my eyes … but I did at the end of his journey… inspirational spirit. A great and good human being

The reader did this story justice. My gratitude

Worth the time!

The cover fits the character! Peter Freuchen was bigger than life - more experiences than several men combined. There are a few “R” rated events but with a life so full of experiences - it’s going to happen. My only disappointment is there is not one picture included in the 40+ pages of accompanying PDF. Nor does it tell you the name of the lady on the cover. I will probably get the Kindle version just for the pictures. Enjoy!

Felt like I was on the journey with him

I wasn’t searching for a biography on an explorer I didn’t know, but took the chance as it was in a 2 for 1 sale.

I loved it!

Incredibly well written and performed. This man’s life was a true tale to tell and I’m very impressed with the way in which this writer put it all together.

Inspiration and adventure from a lost age of exploration

Okay, I will be frank: I picked this up on a whim from a 2 for 1 sale. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Freuchen’s “9 lives” as an Arctic explorer, lecturer, film actor, journalist, freedom fighter, and writer takes the reader into a wonderful tale of transitional history for humanity through a 6’5” “Viking” that inspires, shocks, and humors the reader. The author and narration seemlessly ties the stories together into one amazing journey. If you are into early 20th century history, Exploration and Scientific Discovery, and storytelling, then this is for you….. it may inspire and ignite your own wanderlust!

Excellent story

A well told story of an important piece of history in a remote part of the world from the viewpoint of a larger than life character

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.