Edges of the Earth: A Man, a Woman, a Child in the Alaskan Wilderness

This is an adventure story about a man who leaves his New York city apartment and takes his girlfriend into the Alaskan wilderness. Enamoured of the wide open spaces, he throws himself into the difficulties of living in the bush with little reserve. It's readily apparent that he's clueless from the start at how to make a living out there; I was skeptical at first how long they would last and kept expecting some big disaster. Living without electricity, running water, or a neighbor for miles, Leo exulted in the solitude and closeness to wild things, but his girlfriend (who became his wife) couldn't handle the rough living and deprivations. Eventually (not much of a spoiler) they separated and she remained in town while their son lived show more mostly with him. I was pretty astonished at this man's tenacity and ingenuity. My favorite part of the book was reading about how his son grew up close to nature. In many ways this story reminded me a lot of Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild. Foolhardy and ignorant perhaps, but determined to make a go at living his dream, and this guy actually did it.

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Michael Comments:
I read this book in the early 90's. I admire Leo's courage to uproot from Chicago and move to Alaska.