Freedom

Written by Sebastian Junger

Narrated by Sebastian Junger

A 2022 Audie Award Finalist

A profound rumination on the concept of freedom from the New York Times bestselling author of Tribe.

Throughout history, humans have been driven by the quest for two cherished ideals: community and freedom. The two don’t coexist easily. We value individuality and self-reliance, yet are utterly dependent on community for our most basic needs. In this intricately crafted and thought-provoking book, Sebastian Junger examines the tension that lies at the heart of what it means to be human.

For much of a year, Junger and three friends—a conflict photographer and two Afghan War vets—walked the railroad lines of the East Coast. It was an experiment in personal autonomy, but also in interdependence. Dodging railroad cops, sleeping under bridges, cooking over fires, and drinking from creeks and rivers, the four men forged a unique reliance on one another.

In Freedom, Junger weaves his account of this journey together with primatology and boxing strategy, the history of labor strikes and Apache raiders, the role of women in resistance movements, and the brutal reality of life on the Pennsylvania frontier. Written in exquisite, razor-sharp prose, the result is a powerful examination of the primary desire that defines us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: May 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797122267

Sebastian Junger

Sebastian Junger is the bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and A Death in Belmont. He is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair, and has been awarded a National Magazine Award and an SAIS Novartis Prize for journalism. He lives in New York.

Reviews for Freedom

[Brock Bruce · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good read. I enjoyed this story. Worth it to read!

[Whiddon Family · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I could hear the anthropologist in the writing! It was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Stephanie Berger · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The ending seemed rather abrupt. I understand that he didn’t want to get into the personal reasons for the ending, but it made the story seem incomplete. Spoiler: I wish he had returned to finish the trip and written the book afterwards.

[Garett Margagliotti · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic read. Junger’s prose is direct and explorative in/on a field and idea that has become very important to us today.

[Emanuel Pellizzer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Overall good storytelling, but makes assumptions based on half truths, specially when the author criticizes inequality.

[JT Shaw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like Junger’s take on things. He’s an insightful writer, but is often speculative without considering all the facts. Therefore, I like his reflections, but I take them at face value.

[Stephen Revere · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What exactly is freedom? We use the word constantly but what what is it that makes us truly free? Our ability to decide our own lifestyle and destiny? Do we really have that now?

Junger does an incredible job of forcing you to question your own actual freedom and what real freedom is. This book is a must read for anyone who feels confined in our modern lifestyles and wants to deeply consider what real freedom is.

[Chandlerprepdebate · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of those books that’s so good I don’t know what to read (listen to) next that will be as satisfying.

[Ed Rader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was very informative and well read I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Matthew Gibb · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Terrible book! The description made me think it would be like Rolling Nowhere by Ted Conover or Riding the Rails by Lincoln Uys. This has a couple of vestiges of such journeys, but is more of a nostalgic set of disjointed digressions about what led various groups of settlers to particular areas.The quintessential book by Junger is War and it is well worth your time. Even Fire was a compelling book as a focused collection of stories. Junger wants to be Lawrence Gonzales in this book, but Gonzales writes compelling, suspenseful stories that held my attention. This was uninspired drivel. Thankfully after 3 hours I could move on to something more worthy. Beware of short books with well written introductions.