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Forty Years in the Wilderness
"The encounter was so sudden it took my breath away, and for a single moment I stood frozen, staring into the grizzly's eyes. It was so close I could reach out and touch its shaggy bronze fur." Dolly Faulkner has many heart-stopping moments of terror and anxiety, living much of the time truly along in the Alaskan wilderness. But she is not lonely, as the awesome space and beauty of the mountains fill her with appreciation of all things of nature. Dolly Faulkner came to Alaska as a young woman with the dream of living in the wilderness. This, her first book, is a true reality of carving out a homestead in the Kilbuck Mountains near a minor hotsprings that the regional Native corporation in now trying to claim. She is now a senior citizen, still living in the wilderness after the death of her husband. Her struggles and adventures continue, so she has many more stories to tell.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2013
204 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 16, 2022
I was honestly all set to five star this until the last few chapters (though chapters sixteen and seventeen appear to be the same, so that was odd). It was a thrilling, heart warming, heart wrenching account of a family with a lot of issues trying to make do and make things work in a place they love.
Then you get to the end, where they consider the Native people wanting their land back as selfish and greedy, where they talk about a black woman who they consider a good black woman because "she didn't feel entitled to everything because she's a minority" and refer to the native people as folks who get everything handed to them and the daughter wishes she was native because her medical care would be more convenient if she was (I'm pretty sure generational trauma and genocide and relocation and discrimination is overall a lot worse than your health insurance, Jillian). The author kind of sort of acknowledges that it's a complicated situation, but really, it's wildly disappointing that after decades of her life being chronicled as someone who is wise and understanding and fair, she turns out to have wildly problematic views about the native people. She spends an extensive amount of time saying that she'd understand that the native corporation wanted the land if they'd expressed appropriate interest in it over the past few decades (a CLASSIC "I'm going to pretend to be understanding by claiming that if this person/group had only done things this very specific way that they didn't oh no too late now" like I see that argument a dozen times per day) but because they didn't, it's unfair. It's their land, Dolly. I think they should let you stay on it until you die, but then it should go back to them. It's theirs, whether you're capable of acknowledging that or not. (Her husband also uses the N word to refer to a nurse, which she finds hilarious.) Nope. I was going to loan this to my father and grandfather to read, but I'd honestly like to forget that I spent an entire night on it, getting invested, allowing myself to like these people.
#LandBack
Then you get to the end, where they consider the Native people wanting their land back as selfish and greedy, where they talk about a black woman who they consider a good black woman because "she didn't feel entitled to everything because she's a minority" and refer to the native people as folks who get everything handed to them and the daughter wishes she was native because her medical care would be more convenient if she was (I'm pretty sure generational trauma and genocide and relocation and discrimination is overall a lot worse than your health insurance, Jillian). The author kind of sort of acknowledges that it's a complicated situation, but really, it's wildly disappointing that after decades of her life being chronicled as someone who is wise and understanding and fair, she turns out to have wildly problematic views about the native people. She spends an extensive amount of time saying that she'd understand that the native corporation wanted the land if they'd expressed appropriate interest in it over the past few decades (a CLASSIC "I'm going to pretend to be understanding by claiming that if this person/group had only done things this very specific way that they didn't oh no too late now" like I see that argument a dozen times per day) but because they didn't, it's unfair. It's their land, Dolly. I think they should let you stay on it until you die, but then it should go back to them. It's theirs, whether you're capable of acknowledging that or not. (Her husband also uses the N word to refer to a nurse, which she finds hilarious.) Nope. I was going to loan this to my father and grandfather to read, but I'd honestly like to forget that I spent an entire night on it, getting invested, allowing myself to like these people.
#LandBack
February 15, 2019
Lifestyle’s don’t vary much
The story of a family in the Alaskan wilderness. Dysfunction is overcome by the needs of a family for each other. This is a story of wilderness life without the help/interference of social services. The pain is real and often the solutions are too late or the issues are just buried. The environment one Iives in rather wilderness or city doesn’t change the outcome. Not a bad read, not sure it is worth it
The story of a family in the Alaskan wilderness. Dysfunction is overcome by the needs of a family for each other. This is a story of wilderness life without the help/interference of social services. The pain is real and often the solutions are too late or the issues are just buried. The environment one Iives in rather wilderness or city doesn’t change the outcome. Not a bad read, not sure it is worth it
February 13, 2022
Dolly Faulkner is a very strong women living in the wildness of Alaska. It was really hard to read how much physical and emotional abuse she and her kids endured by her husband. When he hit Dolly so hard that she felt down unconscious, he just left her with two toddlers crawling around her. He did not call to check if she died, whether his kids died or froze to death. He came back one month later and pretended that nothing had happened. I don’t understand how this homestead was worthy the pain and suffering by Dolly and her children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2016
If you're into wilderness homesteading...
...then this is the book for you. This woman has led (& is presently still leading) a life of hard but simple living. I've always wanted to do this and have these skills. Would love to meet the author, Dolly Faulkner.
...then this is the book for you. This woman has led (& is presently still leading) a life of hard but simple living. I've always wanted to do this and have these skills. Would love to meet the author, Dolly Faulkner.
February 28, 2023
Emotions are all over with this book. First sympathy. Nobody should put up with physical and emotional abuse, especially from a person who says they love you. Disgust. When said person starts abusing your children you get the hell away. I wanted to enjoy her journey, in the end I didn’t care. Bad decisions all over the place.
May 5, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. However, I was quite shocked at the accepted dysfunction and abuse. It makes me angry. I kept expecting her to stop accepting it, and be the strong woman she obviously is, and end her marriage. She never did, and never called it for the abuse that it was. It was very frustrating.
I did not appreciate at all the condescending way she spoke of Natives. The book often said: “They can get anything they want, because they are natives.” Several times her daughter saying she wished they had been born native so they’d have XYZ for free, etc Yet their story shows white privilege, bad money management, and bad choices.
I just cannot wrap my mind around raising children in completely seclusion like that. How is that acceptable? How is that good for any child? It’s borderline abusive, with no accountability, no way to keep tabs on their well-being, no way to socialize them.
I’m very sensitive to childhood/family dysfunction, and this book was very frustrating.
I did not appreciate at all the condescending way she spoke of Natives. The book often said: “They can get anything they want, because they are natives.” Several times her daughter saying she wished they had been born native so they’d have XYZ for free, etc Yet their story shows white privilege, bad money management, and bad choices.
I just cannot wrap my mind around raising children in completely seclusion like that. How is that acceptable? How is that good for any child? It’s borderline abusive, with no accountability, no way to keep tabs on their well-being, no way to socialize them.
I’m very sensitive to childhood/family dysfunction, and this book was very frustrating.
November 2, 2018
Captivating and Heartwarming
Dolly Faulkner makes readers feel as if she is a lifelong friend. I felt her excitement during life's highs and cried during her lows. I truly hope her battle against Chalista is won.
Dolly Faulkner makes readers feel as if she is a lifelong friend. I felt her excitement during life's highs and cried during her lows. I truly hope her battle against Chalista is won.
December 4, 2023
I had a hard time with this book and I don’t plan on reading her second book. While I was completely impressed with Dolly's strong will to survive and thrive in the Alaskan wilderness, but I had big issues with the abuse from her husband, towards her and the children. I kept waiting for Harry to crash and burn but unfortunately he lived a long and abusive life that she tolerated and even cared for 'til the bitter end.
My problem with the book was that there was no back-story on who Dolly was, and how she ended up with this POS, and on her homestead. The writing was honest, but not stellar with more typos as the book went on, and that annoyed me. Having said this, I do hope Dolly can figure out how to save her homestead. Jillian, on the other hand was very interesting to read about, in every way and if she wrote a book I’d be on it in a heartbeat.
My problem with the book was that there was no back-story on who Dolly was, and how she ended up with this POS, and on her homestead. The writing was honest, but not stellar with more typos as the book went on, and that annoyed me. Having said this, I do hope Dolly can figure out how to save her homestead. Jillian, on the other hand was very interesting to read about, in every way and if she wrote a book I’d be on it in a heartbeat.
August 8, 2021
Audiobook via Hoopla.
Nicely written account of the author's life. But I'm left feeling incredibly conflicted because the story was continuously riddled with abuse, tolerance of abuse, poor decision making, and just dysfunction in general. There's no doubt she is an incredibly strong woman (as is her daughter, as well). I may have the mindset needed for the solitude of wilderness life, but I freely admit I have none of the physical endurance, nor survival skills, such a life requires. I sincerely hope her land battle ended in her favor. I may look into future writings from her for closure on the matter, as this one was published almost a decade ago.
Nicely written account of the author's life. But I'm left feeling incredibly conflicted because the story was continuously riddled with abuse, tolerance of abuse, poor decision making, and just dysfunction in general. There's no doubt she is an incredibly strong woman (as is her daughter, as well). I may have the mindset needed for the solitude of wilderness life, but I freely admit I have none of the physical endurance, nor survival skills, such a life requires. I sincerely hope her land battle ended in her favor. I may look into future writings from her for closure on the matter, as this one was published almost a decade ago.
May 12, 2021
Dolly's adventures of living in the wilderness of Alaska are compelling. These adventures are, unfortunately, clouded by her abusive partner/husband. I acknowledge, however, that she was between a rock and a hard place. I had a knot in my stomach reading this.
I really wanted her to leave him. The pattern of isolation, physical, emotional and verbal abuse by Harry towards her (and even towards her children!) and her justification of his abuse was very upsetting. I do admire her resilience and her courage. She is the kind person who would be a great neighbor!
I really wanted her to leave him. The pattern of isolation, physical, emotional and verbal abuse by Harry towards her (and even towards her children!) and her justification of his abuse was very upsetting. I do admire her resilience and her courage. She is the kind person who would be a great neighbor!
September 13, 2017
Outstanding True Story
This is an absolute fantastic true story. This books describes true life, the joys and heartbreaks of life. It has inspired me to trudge on and fight to live and be loved.
This is an absolute fantastic true story. This books describes true life, the joys and heartbreaks of life. It has inspired me to trudge on and fight to live and be loved.
October 13, 2017
Wonderful page turner. Held me in rapt attention. Loved it!
May 9, 2019
5*
wonderful story of an amazing life that pulled me in. Nice touch of the pictures as well :) Thank you
wonderful story of an amazing life that pulled me in. Nice touch of the pictures as well :) Thank you
October 28, 2022
This book was a train wreck I couldn’t put it down seriously I’m not sure if this was supposed to be a feel good Story but it definitely was a tragedy.
October 9, 2023
I found this book immensely entertaining and interesting. Being a young woman living in the Netherlands the life Dolly describes seems so surreal.
I do wonder whether Dolly’s solitary lifestyle hardened her a bit too much for my liking. I wondered often what happened to Tara and Lisa after they moved out. I do get that Dolly never contacted them again but did Harry cut them from his life, too? They were never mentioned again, not even at his funeral, and Dolly didn’t seem to care what happened to her stepdaughters. However, she and Jillian were able to forgive Harry for his misbehavior and abuse. They even managed to love him despite of him never being a very good husband or father. I found that very hard to understand.
Overall I loved the adventures Dolly went on. Grizzly’s, beaver traps, hunting for moose… I couldn’t get enough of it. I listened to the audiobook and never noticed that it took me 12 hours to finish. I guess time flies when you’re having fun! Even in White Bear, Alaska.
I do wonder whether Dolly’s solitary lifestyle hardened her a bit too much for my liking. I wondered often what happened to Tara and Lisa after they moved out. I do get that Dolly never contacted them again but did Harry cut them from his life, too? They were never mentioned again, not even at his funeral, and Dolly didn’t seem to care what happened to her stepdaughters. However, she and Jillian were able to forgive Harry for his misbehavior and abuse. They even managed to love him despite of him never being a very good husband or father. I found that very hard to understand.
Overall I loved the adventures Dolly went on. Grizzly’s, beaver traps, hunting for moose… I couldn’t get enough of it. I listened to the audiobook and never noticed that it took me 12 hours to finish. I guess time flies when you’re having fun! Even in White Bear, Alaska.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
The encounter was so sudden it took my breath away, and for a single moment I stood frozen, staring into the grizzly's eyes. It was so close I could reach out and touch its shaggy bronze fur."
Dolly Faulkner has many heart-stopping moments of terror and anxiety, living much of the time truly along in the Alaskan wilderness. But she is not lonely, as the awesome space and beauty of the mountains fill her with appreciation of all things of nature.
Dolly Faulkner came to Alaska as a young woman with the dream of living in the wilderness. This, her first book, is a true reality of carving out a homestead in the Kilbuck Mountains near a minor hotsprings that the regional Native corporation in now trying to claim. She is now a senior citizen, still living in the wilderness after the death of her husband. Her struggles and adventures continue, so she has many more stories to tell.
Dolly Faulkner has many heart-stopping moments of terror and anxiety, living much of the time truly along in the Alaskan wilderness. But she is not lonely, as the awesome space and beauty of the mountains fill her with appreciation of all things of nature.
Dolly Faulkner came to Alaska as a young woman with the dream of living in the wilderness. This, her first book, is a true reality of carving out a homestead in the Kilbuck Mountains near a minor hotsprings that the regional Native corporation in now trying to claim. She is now a senior citizen, still living in the wilderness after the death of her husband. Her struggles and adventures continue, so she has many more stories to tell.
July 30, 2025
A depressing read
The author tells of her life in the Alaskan wilderness with an abusive, neglectful husband. She treats his abuse of herself and their children as almost normal. The children often go hungry, are allowed to run wild, and are expected to do things beyond their years. The family breaks laws, is resentful of the native inhabitants, blame others for their poor judgment, and the author giggles when the N word is used. In addition, the author’s many grammatical errors stand uncorrected. The only reason I finished the book was to see if she ever came to her senses and ditched her husband. There’s nothing about this book I could recommend.
The author tells of her life in the Alaskan wilderness with an abusive, neglectful husband. She treats his abuse of herself and their children as almost normal. The children often go hungry, are allowed to run wild, and are expected to do things beyond their years. The family breaks laws, is resentful of the native inhabitants, blame others for their poor judgment, and the author giggles when the N word is used. In addition, the author’s many grammatical errors stand uncorrected. The only reason I finished the book was to see if she ever came to her senses and ditched her husband. There’s nothing about this book I could recommend.
October 13, 2024
I happened upon this in Audible and gave it a go. I'm so glad I did. What an amazing woman! Lots of feels through the whole range of feels. I ended up binging it because I just had to know what was going to happen next. Her life could not be further from mine. Her strength both physically and mentally absolutely incredible. I thoroughly recommend giving this a read if only to realise that quite often we lead such pampered lives that we really have little to complain about. I'll appreciate being able to pop to the shop a whole lot more now!
August 11, 2025
This is not "Alaska Calls" by Virginia Neely. The author has an axe to grind, and she makes sure to foreshadow that many, many times before she spills the tea. Along the way, there are many racist comments and diatribes about lazy, entitled Natives.
Also, she had a husband, who she loved very much, that was a piece of work and gave her many black eyes and bruises over the years. If you have any kind of history of abuse, steer clear.
Also, she had a husband, who she loved very much, that was a piece of work and gave her many black eyes and bruises over the years. If you have any kind of history of abuse, steer clear.
September 23, 2018
Interesting story
I admire the strength of the women in the book and enjoyed reading about the will to overcome. Some parts seemed incredibly sad and even somewhat depressing but, as I reminded myself, the book.is a true story and one that was written to bring attention and maybe even money to a cause. Worth reading it only for those two reasons
I admire the strength of the women in the book and enjoyed reading about the will to overcome. Some parts seemed incredibly sad and even somewhat depressing but, as I reminded myself, the book.is a true story and one that was written to bring attention and maybe even money to a cause. Worth reading it only for those two reasons
January 30, 2021
Alaska!
This book was a pleasure to read. I cannot imagine living in such a remote area. The adventures this family had were amazing....their hardships were constant and yet they were close to one another, not geographically, but in spirit. Love it and will now start her next book!
This book was a pleasure to read. I cannot imagine living in such a remote area. The adventures this family had were amazing....their hardships were constant and yet they were close to one another, not geographically, but in spirit. Love it and will now start her next book!
December 7, 2022
This was basically a memoir broken up into little stories from her life in Alaska over 40 years. I can’t believe all of the crazy things this woman has endured, and how many plane crashes these people live through, and also, her husband was a real dick. I do wonder if they kept their homestead?? I really enjoyed their day to day life
Read
April 9, 2023This was really good but there were quite a few instances of unrepentant racism that I found really off-putting. Also, the abuse, particularly of the children, was presented in a sort of "Well, what are you going to do. It's a hard life..." kind of attitude. I can't imagine being in that situation and so isolated, so I tried to have compassion but it made me really uncomfortable as I was reading.
April 26, 2023
Real Life in the Bush
What a wonderful story with a full spectrum of experiences. It’s all here, heartaches, and laughter, sorrows and joy, great adventure, and everything you would expect and even more. Great story-telling from a true writer. Can’t wait to start reading the sequel…next best thing to actually living there. Well done, Dolly.
What a wonderful story with a full spectrum of experiences. It’s all here, heartaches, and laughter, sorrows and joy, great adventure, and everything you would expect and even more. Great story-telling from a true writer. Can’t wait to start reading the sequel…next best thing to actually living there. Well done, Dolly.
September 5, 2018
simply written but the wildness of her life is pretty amazing.
Her days of solitude must balance out the severity of Harry's personality.
I never could have relaxed for a second living so remotely and in isolation.
hurrah for Dolly
Her days of solitude must balance out the severity of Harry's personality.
I never could have relaxed for a second living so remotely and in isolation.
hurrah for Dolly
March 29, 2020
I listened to the Audiobook narrated by Janet Metzger. Having grown up and still living in Alaska, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I was familiar with the struggle the family had with the Government and the Native Corporations. I plan to read Dolly Faulkner's other books as well.
December 26, 2020
Emotional rollercoaster!
What a rollercoaster of emotions! I just couldn't put it down. I'm still breathless from all the adventures in the book. I pray Dolly was able to save the homestead.
What a rollercoaster of emotions! I just couldn't put it down. I'm still breathless from all the adventures in the book. I pray Dolly was able to save the homestead.
October 9, 2021
Another great Alaska story
If you love to read about people making an honest, productive living in Alaska’s harsh conditions, this is a book for you. Ms. Faulkner’s account is up there in the top 10 of my favorite survival/wilderness living books.
If you love to read about people making an honest, productive living in Alaska’s harsh conditions, this is a book for you. Ms. Faulkner’s account is up there in the top 10 of my favorite survival/wilderness living books.
May 12, 2022
Fascinating
I love reading true life accounts. This Alaskan wilderness story is an amazing story of Dollys life. It's an account of all that she endured, her hard work, along with her children's extraordinary work ethic to survive the unbelievable environment.
I love reading true life accounts. This Alaskan wilderness story is an amazing story of Dollys life. It's an account of all that she endured, her hard work, along with her children's extraordinary work ethic to survive the unbelievable environment.
October 23, 2022
Extremely well written book and a very good example of the beauty and love and freedom of the wilderness and it’s never ending challenges.
I could relate so easily with the author having lived many years in the Alaska bush and around an Athabaskan village.
I could relate so easily with the author having lived many years in the Alaska bush and around an Athabaskan village.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews