Title: The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today’s America
Author: Mark Sundeen
First published January 10, 2017
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781594631580 (ISBN10: 1594631581)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
“The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today’s America” by Mark Sundeen is a captivating and inspiring book that delves into the radical search for a simpler life in America. Through immersive journalism, Sundeen takes readers on a journey to meet diverse Americans who have chosen to live off the grid, from a classical opera singer and former marine biologist who pedal their way to a homestead in Missouri, to a couple who have been at the forefront of organic farming in Montana for decades.
With a distinctively American social history as its backdrop, this book dares us to imagine a sustainable, ethical, and authentic future. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and eye-opening read, “The Unsettlers” is the book for you.
Editoral Review
Mark Sundeen’s The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today’s America is a captivating exploration of the quest for a simpler life in a complex world. Sundeen is an award-winning journalist and the author of four books, including The Man Who Quit Money.
In the genre of creative nonfiction, Sundeen approaches the subject of modern-day back-to-the-land movements through the eyes of three unconventional couples. These couples, hailing from three different states, all embarked on a common quest: to live a self-sustaining, eco-friendly, and purpose-driven life.
But as Sundeen deftly shows, neither the journey nor the destination is straightforward. Sundeen’s writing is meticulous, gentle, and immersive.
The landscapes he conjures are vivid, evocative, and form a perfect backdrop to the stories he tells. Throughout the book, Sundeen integrates the historical and cultural significance of the back-to-the-land movements while offering critical insight into the environmental, social, and economic issues of contemporary America.
Sundeen’s style is slow-burning, like the movement he writes about. The Unsettlers isn’t a quick read, but rather it’s one that demands attention and patience.
And while the narrative moves slowly, the many layers of themes, character development, and social commentary make for an utterly compelling read. The three couples are thoughtfully created, each representing a different aspect of the back-to-the-land lifestyle.
There’s Peter and Caroline of Missouri, an impulsive couple seeking a simpler life. Then there’s Ethan and Sarah of Massachusetts, who take a more academic and meticulous approach to their homesteading.
Lastly, Olivia and Greg of Montana, the most experienced homesteaders of the three, embody the challenges of modern-day agriculture. Sundeen does an impressive job of interweaving these three stories, highlighting the universal themes of human connection, the importance of community, and the struggle to live purposefully in a society that values consumerism and convenience.
Moreover, The Unsettlers feels particularly significant amidst current discussions of climate change, environmental destruction, social inequality, and the loneliness epidemic. Sundeen paints a picture of a different way to live, a way that is grounded in sustainability, resilience, and meaningful relationships.
His book could not be more timely. As with any book, Sundeen’s The Unsettlers has its limitations.
Because of his intricate character development and detailed descriptions, some readers may find the book lengthy and dense. Additionally, because the story doesn’t have a traditional narrative structure, readers accustomed to more straightforward storytelling may find it challenging to follow.
Nevertheless, The Unsettlers is an achingly beautiful, insightful, and thought-provoking book. It’s both a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the critical need to reimagine the way we live in harmony with the planet and each other.
Readers will undoubtedly feel enriched after reading this book. For lovers of nature writing, social criticism, or human-interest stories, The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today’s America is an excellent read.
The book speaks to anyone yearning for a different kind of life, one that’s grounded in community, self-sufficiency, and purpose. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
4.5/5
