The Last American Man
The Last American Man
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Brief
288
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles the life of Eustace Conway, a naturalist who rejects modern society to live off the land. Raised in an unhappy home, Conway finds solace in nature from a young age. He establishes Turtle Island Preserve in North Carolina, illustrating his commitment to an off-the-grid, sustainable lifestyle while challenging American consumerist values. The book includes instances of childhood trauma and parental cruelty.
Adventurous
Contemplative
Inspirational
Informative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
12,945 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Gilbert's The Last American Man offers a compelling portrait of Eustace Conway, capturing his rugged individualism and dedication to nature. Critics appreciate Gilbert's vivid storytelling and deep character exploration but note the narrative's occasional redundancy and idealization. Its mix of biography and personal insight resonates, despite fluctuating pace.
Who Should Read The Last American Man?
A reader who enjoys The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert is likely captivated by tales of wilderness, self-reliance, and the American frontier spirit. Fans of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild or Cheryl Strayed's Wild will appreciate this account of Eustace Conway's journey to live authentically in the natural world.
12,945 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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