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Freedom

By: Sebastian Junger
Narrated by: Sebastian Junger
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Publisher's Summary

A profound rumination on the concept of freedom from the bestselling author of The Perfect Storm

'Sebastian Junger bears witness to a hard-won and an uncertain new world, framed in vital and brilliant prose: a true and honest accounting of everything that underlies the frantic performance of life’ Philip Hoare, author of Albert and the Whale

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 this 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 role of women in resistance movements and apache renegrades, 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.

©2021 Sebastian Junger (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

Praise for Freedom:

‘A fascinating look at freedom and community’ New York Post

Freedom is less a travelogue than a meditation on what Americans have had to endure to gift us this galvanizing idea, which in Junger’s estimation is more complicated than we might presume and easily squandered’ Los Angeles Times

‘Each part is engaging, entertaining, and enlightening’ Washington Independent Review of Books

Praise for Tribe:

‘A brilliant little book driven by a powerful idea and series of reflections … I would give this gem of an essay to anyone embarking on the understanding of human society and governanceEvening Standard

An eloquent and thought-provoking book … it could help us to think more deeply about how to help men and woman battered by war to find new purpose in peace’ The Times

Fascinating, insightful and built on real and difficult experiences as well as a background in anthropology’ Sunday Times

‘An electrifying tapestry of history, anthropology, psychology and memoir that punctures the stereotype of the veteran as a war-damaged victim in need of salvation. Rather than asking how we can save our returning servicemen and women, Junger challenges us to take a hard look in the mirror and ask whether we can save ourselves … Tribe is a stirring clarion call for a return to solidarity. In advocating a public, shared confrontation with the psychic scars of war, Junger aims to stop trauma burning a hole through individual veterans. Such a collective catharsis might also be our best hope of healing the wounds modern society has inflicted on itself’ Guardian

What listeners say about Freedom

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Best audio book I’ve listened to

The narration, theme and stories all blend together to create a thought-provoking and intriguing listen. Can’t recommend this enough.

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A stealthy journey.

Another excellent round of storytelling from Sebastian Junger. The content exploring personal freedoms and the enforcement of private property is especially timely in our world of exploding population numbers and crazy political gambits.

Great to have the author narrating!

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Gripping- finished in one sitting

Brilliant narration.
I could not turn this off until finished.
5 stars I look forward to more by this author

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Freedom is essential

Freedom is essential to all that is good and beautiful in this world. This book is a timely reminder and adds magnetism to the needle of one's freedom compass.

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Profound

Junger continues to profoundly impact how I see the world. Continuing from Tribe, Freedom articulates the primal thoughts I have and organises them to relate to the modern world.
As always, essential reading!

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A true surprise

One of the best books I’ve listened too in ages. So timely in a world where we forget our evolutionary & societal history. Bravo

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Leadership

21 years as a soldier the book makes sense for anyone that's lead hard men.



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