The Last American Man

I read this book for one reason and one reason only: it was written by Elizabeth Gilbert. After finishing Eat, Pray, Love I was in love with Gilbert's writing and found the book to be utterly compelling. Yet when I went to write the review I was in shock to find so many critics. Likewise with this book. So many disgruntled readers, but why? To each's own is all I can say. I loved it. Though I had no idea who Eustace Conway was when the book began, by the end I felt like I knew him well. Not only is naturalist Conway intriguing but Gilbert makes him all the more so. She gets to the heart of the man, what drives him, what inspires him and what hurts him too. She shows his triumphs and failures, strengths and weaknesses. It's such an interesting read, I had a hard time putting it down. And despite having no interest in this stranger before I started, after finishing I wanted to know more. Where is he now? What has become of the guy who calls himself a spokesperson for Earth? To my surprise, he's on a reality show! Who would have guessed? It does indeed make sense. If Eustace wanted to reach more people with his message of primitive living, television is a sure way to do it, ironic as it is being that he doesn’t watch television and wants the world to get away from materialism and instant gratification and return to nature. On the flip side, how else can he reach them if not by entering their world before bringing them to his? I was also impressed with Gilbert, spending so much time on Turtle Island and doing back-breaking work herself. It adds a new dimension to Eat, Pray, Love, demonstrating the author's eternal desire for a basic and spiritual existence despite her city life and financial wealth. Bottom line: Eustace Conway is an interesting subject, and Elizabeth Gilbert’s beautiful writing and storytelling make him shine. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed reading this book and I have often dreamed of living the type of lifestyle that Eustace Conway lives, though not quite so harsh. It seems to me that his many hang-ups have created a personal "river" that no one is able to cross and join him. He seems to be a carbon copy of his father, with just enough minor differences to convince himself that he is nothing like him. Sadly, he has decided to turn away from the only source that could give him true happiness, a relationship with Jesus Christ. I think the old saying, "no one is as blind as he who refuses to see" fits Eustace well. His desire for acceptance from his father has blinded him to the joys of life. The disatisfaction that his apprentises experience and which Eustace cannot understand appears to stem largely from his use of them as slave labor. The expectations of those who come to work on Turtle Island are not the expectations of Eustace himself, which seems to be based on a phylosophy of, " hey, I dug a one hundred foot long ditch, three feet deep through solid rock! It took me two months and nearly killed me, and though I didn't really learn anything about living off the land, by golly I know I can dig a ditch through solid rock and knowing that gives me a warm feeling about who I am." No. The book gives the impression that the apprentises thought they were there to learn how to live off the land but Eustace failed to tell them that they were there to find out what he himself had always practised, "I will do one thing no matter how hard or how impossible it may seem until it kills me or I master it. Then I can stand straight and in my mind know that I am worth something if to no one but myself." This is somewhat of a harsh review of a book about a man I've never met but it is based on the impression I got from the book. I wish you eventual happiness Mr. Conway. You've certainly strived for it. I recommend this book.

This is my first encounter with Elizabeth Gilbert's writing. I am impressed on many levels. First, her knowledge of her subject was incredible: I mean, she nailed him in every way. What magnificent insight into this deeply troubled saviour of America. Eustace Conway reminds me of all the self-proclaimed noble heroes of their own stories. They are so blinded by their agendas they often cause more unintended greif than the good works they think they may accomplish. Although Gilbert does not dare use the word narcissist in characterizing Eustice (egoistic is too bland a term for such a pathetic prophet), she should have. Yes, Eustace is driven to succeed; yes, he bravely challenges himself; yes, he distinguishes himself; but, no, he is not an admirable man. He is a man who has not learned the main lessons of his own experiences nor the main lessons of his various teachers. Stop. Examine your own egotistical self. Therein lie all your problems in achieving happiness. If Eustace could really examine his own life the way he lectures others to do (and here honesty is the key), he might yet find serenity. But I am analyzing "the last American man" instead of Gilbert's writing style, voice,etc. I will just affirm that she couldn't have arranged or said it all any better. As for the American man...and his lack of development...and all his fears and phobias...and his ignorance...and his inevitable descent-- all true in the mainstream, as witnessed during 35 years of teaching high school boys and girls.

“The Last American Man” is the third Elizabeth Gilbert book I’ve read: In fact, that makes three Gilberts in a row, something I rarely do. Although I’ve come to admire her spirit and writing ability, this book is somewhat disappointing. The interesting subject matter is still there, the writing is impeccable, and, as usual, she keeps me engrossed. But somewhere, in her study of this unusual man’s makeup, I consider her subject, Eustace Conway, as being an unlikeable person with flawed makeup who doesn’t deserve her soft-pedaled praise and admiration. It’s the story of a survivalist with such a strange and outrageous lifestyle that, in my opinion, his mental balance comes into question. I appreciate Conway’s passion for uncomplicated living and return-to-nature enthusiasm. But his intent to convert all wasteful and thoughtless humans into his own image while using tyranny, selfishness, and one-sided logic does not make him an admirable figure; especially as he leaves in his wake a history of family turmoil, broken friendships, and disillusioned women. A lengthy succession of brilliant women, initially enthralled with his charisma, has abandoned him because of his unreasonable dominating nature. I was highly offended by his actions and expectations of other people. Eustace Conroy IV is a product of his father’s brutal nurturing and agonizes over it, yet he displays the same sort of cruel demeanor. He believes that obedience, discipline, and order is the way people should endure life and he doesn’t like to have his convictions or his demands on how to achieve such a life be questioned. If folks desire to be trained in the rigorous procedure of returning to nature at his service farm community at Turtle Rock in North Carolina, all demands for compliance with his techniques must be met. Over the years, however, he has found that very few employees or campers share his enthusiasm for backbreaking work, meager rations, and unpleasant living conditions. They leave in droves with unpleasant memories. I am uneasy with Gilbert’s apparent fascination with Conway. She does disparage him a bit for his self-centered behavior and agonizes over his failure to make corrections in the way he treats people, but I detect a sprinkling of admiration in some of her observations of his deportment. In my opinion he doesn’t rate even a drizzle and I would not have expected this based on other Gilbert writing or her personal convictions. But my faith in this author and her talent has not diminished. I still stand in admiration for her research, her writing clarity, and her ability to capture the reader’s interest. In spite of my misgivings about the man, I found “Last American” to be very illuminating. I urge you to read this book because my displeasure might be misguided and there might be other merits I’m overlooking. You shouldn’t miss the chance for some thought-provoking musing and the opportunity to tell me that I’m full of crap. Schuyler T Wallace Author of TIN LIZARD TALES

I had no idea that Elizabeth Gilbert had another book before Eat, Pray, Love -- and it's really great! After just a few pages, you can really see how Eat, Pray, Love took shape, I think, because this is also a book about someone who found himself, marched to the beat of a different drummer, and broke out of just about every mold out there. As an avid reader of all kinds of outdoor literature, with an emphasis on adventure literature, I really appreciated and enjoyed this book. It's a detailed account of a guy who did things differently and always was one with and comfortable in the natural world. He's politically engaged, too, which is interesting -- so not a total recluse. For me, this book is deeply personal and also somewhat spiritual, as it's an exploration of finding meaning in this world that can be so meaningless for so many of us. Gilbert really gets into his life, and it's an engaging read.

A well-written book about a very interesting dude. Eustace Conway is Gilbert's vision of The Last American Man. What she means by this is that Conway is one of the few individuals living in North America to have the skills, values, and virtues of the American heroes of old: The people who gave the world it's understanding and meaning of what it meant to be American (in a good way.) Much like Daniel Suelo in Mark Sundeen's "T The Man Who Quit Money ," Conway is someone living a lifestyle that I greatly admire, but would probably, at age 59, not consider trying. I encountered him first in " Off the Grid: Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government, and True Independence in Mo dern America " by Nick Rosen, where Conway discusses an error in his thinking: "I had the Allure of self-sufficiency," he said in his halting style. "It's an American trait -- it's not community sufficiency; it's all about individual freedom. I like being myself and I'm very capable, but along the road a wise man pointed out it's not really about self-sufficiency; it's about community-sufficiency. [...] I've been following the wrong path." Conway is by terms a man to be admired, pitied for the emotional abuse dealt out by his father, and boxed in the snoot for his stubbornness and lack of empathy for others who aren't like him. Just when you think that this jerk just needs to crawl in a log and hide, he does or says something admirable. If you've ever considered leaving it all behind and living like our ancestors, I'd recommend Gilbert's book AS WELL AS both Sundeen's "Man Who Quit Money" and his recent release, "T The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today's America "

I'm picky with books. I don't like violence, I don't like a lot of sex, I was stuck on nature adventure books - mostly Appalachian trail hike stories and maybe that is why this book was suggested, as Eustace did hike the Appalachian trail. I also enjoy the "Mountain Men" show but wanted to really get to know the real Eustace Conway, as what's seen on TV must always been taken with a grain of salt. And of course, this book opens a flood gate to his life, many details that I wouldn't have ever guessed. There are some parts that I feel are repetitive, but then again, there were many things about his life that played over and over as a result of his upbringing and views on life. I found that I couldn't put it down and I really enjoyed putting myself in his shoes as I often wonder how I could survive in a situation such as the life he lives. I liked the historical references thrown in by the author and it seems she really spent time with MANY people who came into Eustace's life, which really helped wrap the mind around his background and personal relationships. I did very much enjoy this book.

Of course Gilbert can spin a yarn. I never doubt she'll be brutally honest with her own story. I never expected her to be so brutal with someone else's story. It was occasionally discomforting -- and compelling. If you imagine yourself the type who could 'live off the land', beware. You are likely going to get a sobering reality check. For these reasons, I gave the book five stars. Now for the down side. After decades, 'the Last American Man' apparently can't grow or preserve food to comfortable make it through the winter. He and his apprentices resort to endless squash and dumpster diving -- oh brother. As far as being self-sufficient, I will believe when he starts mining the ore and smelting the steel for his blacksmith shop. I can't end with that. I have to say that I recommend the book for its honest tale of a truly flawed and compelling and overachieving man who, in the words of a neighbor, needs to stop pretending to be a farmer.

Ich liebe es, Elisabeth Gilbert zu lesen! Eine Autorin, die man einfach lesen möchte. Sie schreibt so authentisch. Auch das Thema von dem Buch fand ich sehr interessant. Es bleibt in Erinnerung, man lernt was daraus. Und sehr gut geschrieben!

An amazing story of one man reflecting brilliance, determination, relentless zeal, disillusionment and world weariness and deep sadness I have read for awhile. What a gift and what a tragedy. What an amazing man and what a disaster. A maze of contradictions and yet heartbreakingly honest and zealous and full of good heartfelt intention but in the end again a man - just a man. Live and be happy in the woods within your peace and sanctuary and protect it from the outside world but just stop doing what doesn't make you happy. You don't have to please your father anymore and you don't have to work yourself in the ground to be a success. You already are.

作者エリザベス・ギルバートにとって「The Last American Man」の主人公ユースタス・コンウェーは現代のデイビー・クロケットであり、憧れの人物であったに違いない。彼は高校卒業後直ぐに家出をし、アパラチア山中で20年間もテント生活をし、自給自足の自然生活を続けたのだ。現代文明のアメリカにおいてこのような原始生活を実行したのが信じられない。 彼は父親との人間関係がうまくいかず家出したのだが、このような自然生活を体験する中で現代アメリカ社会の疲弊を痛感する。自らが山中に自然のユートピアを建設し、そこで人々に共に自然生活を体験させることで心身を強健にし生きる力を獲得させ、ひ弱で堕落したアメリカを救おうとする。 彼は西部開拓時代の英雄のようにシカ皮の衣服を身に着け、冷静で頑強な容貌をしていて、徒歩でアパラチア山道3500Kmを踏破したり、騎馬で大西洋岸ジョージア州から太平洋岸カリフォルニア州のアメリカ横断を最速の103日間でやってのける。ミシシッピ川をイカダで下ったり、ニューメキシコでナバホ族と一緒に過ごしたりもする。 このように冒険や探検を繰り返し、山中で自給自足の生活をし、動植物に親しみ、自らを「運命の男」と認めて山中に自然のユートピア「カメの島」を開設する生き方に憧れ、素直に感動した。これはまさにアメリカの西部開拓時代の荒々しく男らしい生き方と共通するものがあり、ひ弱な現代人にとって失われた時代へのノスタルジアでもある。

I have read 'Eat, Pray, Love' from Elizabeth Gilbert twice and adored her witty, endearing ways of describing a very emotional time in her life (having been through a painful divorce myself, I could really relate!). I was therefore very eager to read another of her offerings and as I am an American (living in the UK but from the deep south originally), it made sense that the next book should be 'The Last American Man'. I can not praise this book highly enough. Eustace Conway is one of the most fascinating real-life characters I have read in a non-fiction work in a VERY long time. Although compared to Davey Crockett, Daniel Boone and even a young Roosevelt, he is definitely a unique individual who's charismatic ways pull you in from the first few pages. It's especially interesting to witness an almost 'evolution of man' in the last several hundred years spread out before you in between the covers of the book. Elizabeth Gilbert has captured his very essence and has told his story brilliantly (at least to this point in his life, as he's only 48 and I doubt his exciting adventuring around the world is over). After reading it I am ready to start planning a summer camp trip to Turtle Island for my youngest 2 sons when they are a bit older. My eldest son (who's 20) was an active member of the Scouts growing up and has pretty good survivalist skills, but having a summer camp like the one Eustace organises would have been invaluable in his education. If you only read one non-fiction book this year, this should be the one :) 10/10

J'ai vraiment aimé ce livre, dès les premières lignes ,le ton est donné, ,Elisabeth Gilbert nous emmène explorer une certaine vision des États-Unis par l'intermédiaire de la vie d'Eustace Conway. L'écriture est énergique ,rude , dépouillée à l'image du personnage.je ne saurais que recommander ce livre, radicalement différent du célèbre "eat pray love".