Title: Pilgrim’s Wilderness: A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier
Author: Tom Kizzia
Genre: True Crime / Non-Fiction
Tom Kizzia’s Pilgrim’s Wilderness recounts a gripping and disturbing true story set in the isolated town of McCarthy, Alaska. The book dives deep into the life of “Papa Pilgrim” — Robert Allen Hale — and his family, who sought refuge in the Alaskan wilderness in the early 2000s, hoping to live off the land and escape the modern world.
Robert Hale, known as “Papa Pilgrim,” presented himself as a pious, God-fearing man, leading his wife and fifteen children into the secluded area of McCarthy. At first, the local community welcomed the Pilgrims with open arms, charmed by their self-sufficiency, hard work, and seemingly devout nature. But as the Pilgrims became more settled, troubling signs began to emerge. Papa Pilgrim’s control over his family became more apparent, as did his volatile temperament.
Kizzia explores the unraveling of Papa Pilgrim’s facade. Underneath the guise of a religious patriarch lay a tyrannical, abusive figure who ruled over his family with an iron fist. His hold over his children and wife was oppressive, with strict religious doctrines used as a justification for their suffering. The book recounts how the Pilgrims’ life spiraled into a nightmare of isolation, fear, and unimaginable abuse.
The book’s narrative builds as the community of McCarthy becomes increasingly wary of the Pilgrims’ behavior, especially after conflicts over land use and Papa Pilgrim’s refusal to comply with local regulations. As law enforcement and social services get involved, the dark truth of the Pilgrim family’s life comes to light, leading to a shocking and dramatic climax that leaves the community and readers reeling.
Kizzia’s journalism background is evident in his meticulous research and detailed storytelling. He masterfully portrays the contrast between the beautiful, untamed Alaskan wilderness and the grim reality of the Pilgrim family’s existence. The book also touches on themes of faith, power, and the dark side of extreme ideology, making it a thought-provoking and intense read.
Review of Pilgrim’s Wilderness by Tom Kizzia
Pilgrim’s Wilderness has been praised for its compelling narrative and depth of research. Reviewers often describe it as a haunting and disturbing read that captures the extremes of human behavior. Kizzia’s ability to bring out the voices of those affected, along with his first-hand knowledge of the region, adds authenticity and a haunting resonance to the story.
Many reviews highlight the book’s pacing and storytelling, which keeps readers engaged despite the grim subject matter. The complex character of Robert Hale, with his charm and sinister nature, is portrayed in a nuanced manner, making the book as much a psychological study as a true crime account.
While the book has been widely appreciated, some readers felt overwhelmed by the graphic depictions of abuse and the oppressive atmosphere it conveys. Nonetheless, Pilgrim’s Wilderness stands out as a powerful and important work that sheds light on the dark potential of religious extremism and the consequences of isolation.
Read the Full Novel Here
About the Author: Tom Kizzia
Tom Kizzia is an award-winning journalist and author who has spent decades reporting in Alaska. He worked for the Anchorage Daily News and has contributed to major publications such as The New Yorker and The Washington Post. His work often focuses on the unique culture and issues of Alaskan life, giving voice to stories that might otherwise go untold. Kizzia’s reporting on the Pilgrim family won the President’s Award for Journalism from the McClatchy Company, and his investigative approach and intimate understanding of rural Alaskan communities make him uniquely qualified to tell the story of Pilgrim’s Wilderness.
