Out of the Forest
The true story of a recluse
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Out of the Forest
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Narrated by:
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Dean Friske
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By:
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Gregory Smith
About this listen
For ten years a man calling himself Will Power lived in near-total isolation in northern New South Wales, foraging for food, eating bats and occasionally trading for produce. But who was this mysterious man who roamed the forest and knew all of its secrets and riddles? Some people thought he might be Jesus. Others feared he was a more sinister figure.
The truth was that he was neither miraculous nor malevolent, but he was, most certainly, gifted. And when he finally emerged from the forest, emaciated and close to death, he was determined to reclaim his real name and ‘give society another chance’.
Today, Dr Gregory Peel Smith, who left school at the age of fourteen, has a PhD and teaches in the Social Sciences at university. His profoundly touching and uplifting memoir is at once a unique insight into how far off track a life can go and powerful reminder that we can all find our way back if we pause for a moment in the heart of the forest.©2018 Gregory Smith (P)2018 Penguin Random House Australia
Editorial reviews
Dr. Gregory Peel Smith now boasts a PhD and teaches social sciences at university. But his journey to success was neither straightforward nor simple. Born into an abusive household in the 1950s, Smith found himself descending into a life of petty crime, substance abuse, depression and homelessness. At that low point, he wandered into a forest in Northern NSW and did not emerge until over a decade later.
This audio memoir, brought to life by talented narrator Dean Friske, will tug hard at your heartstrings and bring a fresh understanding of a forgotten generation of Australians. Smith’s story of living off the land in near-total isolation under the moniker 'Will Power' offers incredible insight into how far off-track a life can go...and how the human spirit can always find its way back.
What listeners say about Out of the Forest
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-07-2020
A fabulous book about a life so far removed from mine
This honest, raw recount of Gregory’s life was so enthralling I talked about it with my family along the way. An emotional book that illustrates all people are worthy of respect no matter where they come from. Congratulations Henson!!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ayu ODonnell
- 08-04-2020
Great Book!
I listened to this story until 2am. What a life experience! Im feeling happy and proud that it ended well. Wow what a turn. You've never know where life will take you.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 08-05-2019
incredible story of overcoming being misunderstood
Was such a compelling story, giving voice to a narrative that rings true to many abused and mistreated Australian children. Was healing to hear and reassuring that people like Gregory P. Smith are doing something to create a shift.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Emma
- 01-11-2023
Interesting
Really interesting. Easy to listen to. The first audio book that I have binged in just two days.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 06-06-2023
Gregory P Smith
Absolutely love love loved this book. Getting a small insight into what others have to and can endure. And to come out the other side winning. CHAMPION!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer Kay
- 01-09-2023
A very good read
I found this a very interesting read. Based on real life made it even more interesting.
The narrators voice was grating but persist as the tale is good.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 17-07-2024
An amazing demonstration of human resilience
A great book that demonstrates both the pervasive effects of familial and institutional neglect and abuse, and the power of affected individuals to recover when given the compassion, empathic understanding and practical support that they deserved to be given in the first place. Thank you.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 25-06-2018
Great Listening
From start to finish...great listening....am glad that I got the book thank you Saturday Morning herald in Spectrum...
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 18-11-2019
what a story
great book. literally fist pumping at the highs and slumped flat at the lows. very relatable to anyone who's been through trauma.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lyn Hurrell
- 09-02-2019
What an inspirational man!!
Loved every minute of this book. It brought me to tears on more than one occasion..
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3 people found this helpful