Christopher McCandless is an American adventurer who had lived in the wilderness of Alaska just to get away from his boring, predestined fate. His life was turned into a Hollywood film "Into the Wild" which starred Emile Hirsch. Now, a book published by his sister reveals his alleged true intentions for leaving his California home.
According to Carine McCandless, Christopher McCandless left home because of the family violence ensuing between their father, Walt, and their mother, Billie. In the memoir "The Wild Truth" released on ABC, Carine reveals that Christopher McCandless trip to the Alaskan wilderness was a form of escape.
"We would hear raised voices, and it would get louder and louder, and Chris would usually come and grab me and get me outside of the house. We would hear my mom say, "Kids, kids, Come look what your father is doing to me," and then he would scream right after, "kids, get in here now, look what your mother is making me do"," shares Carine.
Christopher McCandless also suffered verbal and physical abuse from his father. Yet, none of these were portrayed in the film that pretty much shocked fans. People are now asking if Christopher McCandless truly did leave his California home for the simplicity of life or as a means to escape his traumatic childhood.
As for Christopher McCandless parents, Walt and Billie released a statement about Carine's memoir "The Wild Truth." To them, they called it "fictionalized writing" after it detailed Walt's abuse over Billie and his marriage to another woman, Marcia.
"[This] fictionalized writing has absolutely nothing to do with our beloved son, Chris, his journey or his character. This whole unfortunate event in Chris' life 22 years ago is about Chris and his dreams," shares Walt and Billie in a statement made to ABC News.
Whatever the reasons, Christopher McCandless life continues to be an inspiration and an interesting discussion among book enthusiasts.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
