Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte

by Jeffrey H. Ryan

When Jim Whyte settled outside the slate mining town of Monson, Maine, in 1895, people hardly knew what to make of him. Almost 130 years later, we still don't. A world traveler who spoke six languages fluently, Whyte came to town with sacks full of money and a fierce desire to keep to himself. It was clear that Whyte was hiding from something--enough to make the FBI come looking. But even the Feds couldn't imagine how Whyte, who lost every penny he had when WWI broke out, amassed another fortune before he died. Based on the true story, Hermit follows one man's quest to discover all he can about Whyte's secret life before it's too late.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

153 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2019

About the author

Jeffrey H Ryan is an author, adventurer, photographer and historian. He has written several books about his outdoor exploits, his fascination with hiking trails and the people and places found just off the beaten path. His debut book, Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-year hike on America’s trail was hailed by the former Executive Editor of National Geographic as “a classic of nature and travel writing” and set off a national tour (in a 1985 VW camper, no less).

His books are known for weaving a deep appreciation for history into walks across contemporary landscapes that give readers the feeling they are hiking right alongside. When Jeff isn’t trekking, chasing down a great story or spinning yarns from his keyboard, he enjoys sharing his adventures with audiences who love the outdoors. He spends much of his time in his beloved native state of Maine.

Reviews

[Bonnie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Good story and the mystery details well paced.
My husband's cousin wrote this and dropped off a signed copy yesterday, with 3 hours of more stories about the book! Even more entertaining, as it includes many autobiographical details and names he used are from our neighborhood growing up.

[Shiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read. I couldn't put it down. For something written about the late 1890s to 1950s, it was really enjoyable and I kept wanting to know what happened and learn all the secrets. I'm glad I read it. I also wasn't expecting photos in the end; it was a nice touch. Reading this book has made me want to visit this place for the views.

[Susan Emmet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jim Whyte's re-imagined story is brought to life by Jeffrey Ryan through fictional narrator Ben Harmon.
I really liked Ryan's ability to fully realize character - Uncle Roy, Phil Campbell, the Randalls - as well as his capture of small town northern Maine life over decades. Slate and fishing and logging, building things well, staying in touch with neighbors and friends, taking care of folks during tragedy and keeping your mouth shut when you're sworn to do so.
It really is a great yarn, a great portrayal of Monson and Guilford and the deep beauty of the woods and waters.
A worthwhile read, no doubt.

[Peter Santucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Well written and the story moves along nicely.

[James Higbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearly 50 years ago, my newly wedded wife and I packed up the Gremlin and our camping equipment and for 10 days explored the Maine woods area depicted in this book. The described environment depicted brought back the memories of long expanses of gravel roads through uninhabited forests, rushing rivers and cold water lakes.

That said, I enjoyed the book and found the mystery of Jim Whyte to be a real page turner. I found myself thinking -Who was this guy? He seems to be the "Gatsby" of the Northwoods. The author adeptly adds pieces of the Whyte puzzle to form a near complete picture of a mysterious, complicated world wide traveler who settles in his remote outback cabin keeping to himself only to emerge for clandestine meetings in New York City. A fairly quick read and highly recommended.

[Dawn Doria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly interesting story, told relatively well. I think using the word "hermit" in the title was added for hype just to lure readers in.....he wasn't a hermit. Jim Whyte traveled the world, sailed ships, made millions of dollars, spoke 7 languages. Once he moved to Maine he settled down and stayed in one place but was hardly a hermit. He had 2 wives, a friend that would visit, he would go to the store in town for groceries and picked up his mail at the post office. He was an interesting man, a bit eccentric, but not a hermit. The book was okay, but I don't like being misled.

[Gregory Blanchette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I couldn't put it down. As a native Mainer, Jeff's book brought back many great memories of being in the Maine woods. He did a excellent job of recreating northern Maine in the first half of the 20th century when life was more simple and living of the land was not something to 'get back to'.
Jeff is a great story teller. I loved the way he was able to add story and dialogue to events that happened nearly a century ago.

[Patty Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would probably make a good movie because of what must be amazing scenery in rural Maine. It was a little frustrating at how little is really known about the hermit, but Ben's life as the fictional character and narrator was very good and believable. For me, Whyte's activities, when revealed, did not quite satisfy the high level of mystery and suspense written into the novel, but to keep to the facts, the author wouldn't have been able to come up with something too fantastic.

[William Saums · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down. It grabs you right at the beginning, with almost an old school thriller style of adventure, history, and intrigue, all set in the north woods of Maine. I felt like I was right there, turning up clues, and at the same time enjoying Maine all by myself. Great read, a fascinating piece of history at the same time highly recommend!

[Holly Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Ryan's Hermit, The Mysterios Life of Jim Whyte, brought me back to the Maine Woods to a time when the Appalachian Trail was just beginning. The mystery of Jim Whyte was a suspenseful page turner in an outdoor setting whose history was adeptly described and deeply appreciated. You will love it!

[Chris Sentementes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book !
Enjoyed it on my vacation down east this past week
Reads like a novel

[MaryAnn Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maine has a long history of colorful characters, usually living in isolated parts of the vast state and trying to stay out of the public eye. Ryan recounts the story of Jim Whyte who lived in one of the most isolated areas of the state in the early 20th century. His personal history, as it emerges through interviews is far more complex. He was born William Boscene in New York City, left at 16 to pursue a life of worldwide travel and adventure, married and fathered a child and then retreated to a mountain side paradise to build a life with a second "wife." His life was a mystery to locals who left him alone but speculated on his background, especially when this second "wife" left after only a year and was replaced with wife #3 who stayed for 20 years and then left as well.

The book is told from the perspective of a young man who grew up visiting relatives in the area for summers of hiking and fly-fishing. He pursues the history with family friends who reluctantly divulge the details of this eccentric neighbor, by then deceased, and the secrets that he kept.

The book is filled with descriptions of gorgeous mountainous scenery, pristine lakes and streams, and lush forests made especially breathtaking in the crisp Autumn air. Fall foliage in Maine is truly a magic experience. (Yes, I live there!) I found myself wishing I were sitting on the front porch of the cabins Ryan described watching the sun set or feeling the morning mists disappear as the sun came up. What gorgeous countryside!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the title is a little misleading (I wouldn't consider Jim Whyte to be a hermit, and the book was only tangentially about him), the narrative was engaging and flowed well. I loved the historical aspect and how beautifully the setting was described.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

My dad recommended this one - he thought Jim Whyte’s story was so fascinating. It is, I suppose, but this book is nothing special as far as the writing goes. I think I could have read an article or essay about Whyte and been just fine.

[Deb Nelson]

A fabulous read - Jeff Ryan is a wonderful storyteller. Hermit kept me entertained while waiting out a rainstorm on vacation; you know it's a good book when you're disappointed it's over!!

[Rudy Seifert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of a novel, based on some research about Jim Whyte. Was OK, but not gripping, and doubtful veracity.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! I only gave it 4 stars because it started so slowly I almost put it down. I’m glad I didn’t because I couldn’t put it down once the story picked up speed.

[Dory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictional account of an actual person and related historical events is a fun little read.

[Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s not just the story told but the way it’s told. The cadence of this book definitely reflects its Maine setting. A bit labored at times, but worth persevering to the end.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed reading this story of Jim Whyte and learning about Maine at the turn of the century. Ryan's style of writing is engaging and suspenseful. If you've ever ventured to any of the small towns in Maine you will feel at home in Monson. If you haven't, read the book and you'll want to plan a trip. Ryan is a master storyteller and has crafted wonderful relationships with the characters. I especially loved the descriptions of the landscape and camping a hundred years ago. It's a perfect weekend read.