The Revenant by Michael Punke

 My Rating: 4.6

Set in 1823, The Revenant follows the trappers of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company as they endure the brutal realities of frontier life. Among them is Hugh Glass — a seasoned frontiersman and expert tracker. When Glass is viciously mauled by a grizzly bear, he’s left on the brink of death. Two men are assigned to stay behind and tend to him, but when they abandon him instead, Glass is forced to summon an unimaginable will to survive. Driven by sheer determination — and the desire for revenge — he crawls across hundreds of miles of uncharted wilderness.

Based on a true story, this is a raw and incredibly descriptive novel. The grizzly attack scene was so intense and graphic that I honestly questioned whether I could keep going. I’m glad I did. The story that followed was one of remarkable endurance, courage, and unrelenting grit. Hugh Glass’s strength and perseverance were astounding, and the author’s vivid writing brought the harsh realities of early frontier life to life — from encounters with Native tribes to the perils of travel through unforgiving wilderness.

I regret not listening to this one with my husband, Mark — I think he would have really enjoyed it. The Revenant would be an especially great read (or listen) for anyone interested in early American history, survival stories, or rugged adventure tales — particularly men who appreciate a story of endurance and revenge set against the raw beauty and danger of the untamed frontier.