Opinion | The Unabomber and the Poisoned Dream of the American West

Last year on June 10, Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, was discovered dead in his cell in Butner, N.C. He had spent 25 years in federal prison for his crimes involving mail bombs, ultimately taking his own life. The news of his death had a profound impact on me as I was in the midst of writing a novel about him.

Now, a year later, my book is complete, but the memory of Mr. Kaczynski and the myths surrounding his life continue to linger. Growing up in Missoula, not far from where the Unabomber lived, his capture had a lasting effect on me. The sudden national attention on Montana, typically a quiet state, left a lasting impression.

As I reflect on my childhood in Montana, I realize how the perception of the state as a rugged wilderness for outcasts and dreamers contrasted with my suburban upbringing. The Unabomber’s story, leaving behind a successful career to seek solitude in nature, echoed a common theme of the lone individual in the wild.

The media’s portrayal of the Unabomber as a philosophical figure in the wilderness romanticized his actions, overshadowing the true nature of his violence. His distorted view of the West as a desolate place devoid of people reflected a poisoned frontier dream. Despite his death, his mythology persists, with some glorifying him as an anti-technology prophet.

We are often fed myths about our homes, but it is essential to see them for what they truly are and appreciate their complexities. Returning to Montana after years of searching for purpose elsewhere, I now strive to embrace the state’s beauty and history, hoping to one day call it my true home.

Each day, I awaken to the rugged landscapes of Montana, with its golden hills, expansive skies, and diverse terrain. The state’s intricate beauty, with its mix of wilderness and human presence, holds a special place in my heart. As I continue to explore and appreciate Montana, I aim to find a sense of belonging and connection to this ancient land.