Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Surreal, Adventurous, Humorous, Desperate, Whimsical
- Read it if
- you enjoy surreal, darkly humorous fantasy adventures with a unique premise, a blend of folk tales and video game elements, and a quest for survival against bizarre odds.
- Skip it if
- you prefer straightforward realism, are easily disturbed by grotesque imagery, or dislike stories with a strong element of the absurd.
The Hike Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Unplanned Detour
Ben, a suburban family man, is on a business trip in rural Pennsylvania. With some free time before a dinner meeting, he decides to take a short hike behind his hotel. The path quickly becomes confusing and overgrown, diverging from what he expected. He tries to turn back but finds the way he came is blocked or has disappeared. A mysterious voice, later identified as 'The Producer,' tells him he is now on 'The Path' and must continue forward. Ben's initial frustration turns to growing alarm as the environment becomes increasingly surreal and hostile. This is the start of his involuntary journey.
Introduction to the Path's Perils
Forced to continue, Ben quickly encounters the bizarre and dangerous inhabitants of The Path. He faces giant, carnivorous grasshoppers, grotesque, human-like creatures called 'The Cleaners,' and other monstrous entities. He learns that death on The Path is often permanent, and survival requires constant vigilance and adaptation. He also discovers strange artifacts and potions, seemingly left for his use, hinting at a larger, unseen force orchestrating his journey. The initial shock gives way to a grim determination as Ben realizes the seriousness of his situation and that returning home is impossible.
The Talking Crab and the First Clues
Ben's loneliness and despair are somewhat lessened when he encounters a talking crab named Crab. Crab is foul-mouthed, cynical, but surprisingly knowledgeable about The Path and its mechanics. He explains that Ben is not the first to be on The Path and that many others have tried to find 'The Producer,' the enigmatic creator of this world, believing he holds the key to escape. Crab provides survival advice and helps Ben navigate the increasingly treacherous landscape, offering companionship and information about the strange rules governing their reality.
The Village of the Damned
Ben and Crab eventually stumble upon a strange, ramshackle village inhabited by other individuals who have also found themselves on The Path. These 'hikers' come from various times and places, each with their own story of how they arrived. The village offers a temporary break but is also fraught with its own dangers and internal politics. Ben learns more about the diverse challenges and creatures that exist on The Path through their shared experiences. He starts to piece together information about the Producer and his ultimate goal: to find a way off The Path and back to his family.
The Arena and the Test of Will
Within the village, Ben is forced to participate in a deadly gladiatorial arena, a common event designed by The Producer to test the hikers. He must fight against other creatures and even other hikers to survive. These trials are designed to break the spirit and reveal character. Ben's resilience and his desire to return to his family push him through these brutal encounters. His victories earn him respect among some of the villagers and solidify his resolve, showing his increasing adaptability to The Path's harsh realities.
The City of the Giants
Continuing their journey, Ben and Crab leave the village and venture into a vast, decaying city inhabited by colossal, human-like giants. These giants are largely indifferent to the smaller hikers but can be incredibly dangerous if provoked. Navigating the city is a harrowing experience, requiring stealth and quick thinking to avoid being crushed or becoming an accidental meal. This section of The Path emphasizes the sheer scale and alien nature of the world Ben is traversing, further highlighting his vulnerability and the constant threat he faces.
The Producer's Labyrinth
As Ben gets closer to the rumored location of The Producer, the challenges shift from physical combat to puzzles and mind games. He encounters areas that defy logic and physics, forcing him to think creatively and apply the strange 'rules' he has learned about The Path. These challenges test his intelligence, perception, and even his sanity. The atmosphere becomes increasingly surreal and unsettling, indicating that he is entering the heart of The Producer's domain and nearing the ultimate confrontation.
The Revelation of the Producer
Ben finally reaches The Producer's chamber, a place that is both mundane and utterly alien. The Producer reveals himself not as a god-like entity, but as a bored, cosmic game designer. He explains that The Path is an elaborate, ever-evolving game created for his amusement, and Ben is merely one of his many 'players.' This revelation is devastating, stripping away any sense of higher purpose or grand design. Ben's quest for answers culminates in the bitter truth that his suffering is merely entertainment for a detached, powerful being.
The Choice and the Betrayal
The Producer offers Ben a way out: a chance to return to his family, but with a catch. The exact nature of the choice is morally complex, forcing Ben to weigh his desire for home against the lives or freedom of others on The Path. This moment tests Ben's core values and his humanity. The decision he makes is a profound one, showing his growth and the sacrifices he is willing to make, even in the face of overwhelming despair and the cynical nature of The Producer's game.
The Return, Changed
Ben's journey concludes, and he finds himself back in his own world, but irrevocably changed. The experience on The Path has left deep scars, both physical and psychological. He struggles to reconcile the mundane reality of his suburban life with the cosmic horrors and lessons he endured. The ending leaves an ambiguous but powerful impression, suggesting that while he has returned, a part of him will forever remain on The Path, and his perception of reality has been permanently altered by the ordeal.
The Hike Characters
Ben
Protagonist
A suburban family man trapped in a surreal, dangerous world
Ben is an ordinary, somewhat complacent suburban father and husband whose life is upended when he inadvertently steps onto The Path. Initially overwhelmed and terrified, he gradually develops resilience, cunning, and a fierce will to survive. His primary motivation throughout the ordeal is his desperate desire to return to his wife and children. He is characterized by his everyman quality, making his extraordinary journey relatable, and his capacity for compassion even in the face of extreme adversity.
Relationships: Crab (unlikely companion and guide); The Producer (antagonistic creator and manipulator); His Family (primary motivation for survival)
Crab
Supporting
A foul-mouthed, sentient crab who becomes Ben's guide
Crab is a cynical, wise-cracking, and surprisingly knowledgeable crustacean who befriends Ben early in his journey. He acts as Ben's primary source of information about The Path, its rules, and its inhabitants. Despite his gruff exterior and frequent profanity, Crab harbors a hidden loyalty and affection for Ben. He has been on The Path for a long time and possesses a jaded perspective, but his companionship is invaluable to Ben's survival and sanity.
Relationships: Ben (companion and friend)
The Producer
Antagonist
The enigmatic, cosmic game designer of The Path
The Producer is the unseen, god-like entity who created and controls The Path, a vast, ever-changing landscape designed for his amusement. He is revealed to be a detached, bored, and incredibly powerful being who views the 'hikers' as mere players in his elaborate game. His motivations are not malicious in a traditional sense, but rather born of an indifferent, cosmic ennui. He is the ultimate antagonist, not through direct confrontation, but by orchestrating Ben's suffering for entertainment.
Relationships: Ben (game master and player)
The Cleaners
Supporting
Grotesque, humanoid creatures who maintain The Path
The Cleaners are a recurring threat on The Path, grotesque, human-like creatures with a disturbing, almost ritualistic approach to their tasks. They appear to 'clean' or remove anything that deviates from The Path's intended design, including fallen hikers. They are not explicitly evil but rather a relentless, unthinking force of nature within The Path's ecosystem, designed to ensure the game continues. Their presence adds to the surreal horror and constant danger Ben faces.
Relationships: Ben (predator/prey dynamic)
The Giant
Supporting
Colossal, mostly indifferent inhabitants of The Path's cities
The Giants are immense, human-like beings who populate certain urban areas of The Path. They are largely unaware of or indifferent to the smaller hikers, their colossal size making them a constant, accidental threat. Their presence highlights the scale and alien nature of The Path and the insignificance of human life within its vastness. Ben must navigate their world with extreme caution, often using their massive structures for cover or as part of his journey.
Relationships: Ben (incidental threat)
Ben's Family
Supporting
Ben's wife and children, his driving motivation
Ben's wife and children represent his entire reason for enduring The Path. Though they do not appear physically after the initial scenes, their memory and the desire to return to them serve as Ben's constant motivation and emotional anchor. His love for them fuels his resilience and prevents him from succumbing to despair or giving up. They are the symbolic 'home' that he yearns for, making his journey not just one of survival, but of profound longing and sacrifice.
Relationships: Ben (loved ones, primary motivation)
The Hike Themes
The Absurdity of Existence
The novel explores the idea that life, or at least Ben's ordeal, is ultimately without inherent meaning or purpose, orchestrated by a detached, indifferent force. The Producer's revelation that The Path is merely a game for his amusement strips away any grander design, forcing Ben to confront the arbitrary nature of his suffering. This theme highlights the human struggle to find meaning in a universe that may not provide any, and the resilience required to persevere despite this existential void.
“The Path wasn't a test. It wasn't a punishment. It was just... a thing. A game. And I was just a piece.”
The Resilience of the Human Spirit
Despite facing unimaginable horrors, constant danger, and the crushing weight of an indifferent universe, Ben consistently chooses to move forward. His unwavering desire to return to his family fuels an incredible capacity for survival, adaptation, and even compassion. This theme celebrates individual tenacity to endure extreme adversity, find strength in unexpected places, and maintain core values even when everything around them is designed to break them down. It is about the power of hope and purpose.
“He was still Ben. He was still a husband and a father. And he would get home.”
The Nature of Home and Belonging
Ben's entire journey is driven by his desperate longing for home and his family. The concept of 'home' goes beyond a physical location, becoming a symbol of safety, love, and identity that he fights to reclaim. The Path, in contrast, is the ultimate 'un-home' – a place of constant displacement and alienation. The novel explores what it means to be truly lost and the psychological impact of being severed from one's roots. It also emphasizes the powerful pull of where one truly belongs.
“Home wasn't a place. It was the people you loved, and the feeling that came with them.”
The Illusion of Control
From the moment Ben steps onto The Path, he loses all control over his destiny. His choices are limited, his environment is constantly shifting, and his very existence is dictated by an unseen entity. This theme explores the human desire for agency versus the reality that much of life is beyond our influence. The novel suggests that while we may not control the grand narrative, we can still choose how we react, adapt, and maintain our integrity within the confines of our circumstances.
“You don't get to choose the path, Ben. You only get to choose how you walk it.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Path Itself
A surreal, ever-changing, inescapable landscape
The Path is more than just a setting; it's a living, evolving entity and the central plot device. It acts as a character in its own right, constantly presenting new challenges, creatures, and environments. Its rules are arbitrary and often defy logic, reflecting the whimsical yet dangerous nature of The Producer. The Path serves to isolate Ben, test his limits, and force his transformation, pushing him further and further away from his normal life and into the realm of the surreal and perilous.
The Producer's Game
The overarching, cosmic game orchestrating Ben's journey
The concept of Ben's journey being an elaborate 'game' for The Producer's amusement is a central plot device. This device provides a meta-narrative framework, explaining the arbitrary dangers, the convenient power-ups, and the ultimate lack of traditional villainous motivation. It heightens the theme of absurdity and the illusion of control, as Ben's struggles are revealed to be mere entertainment. This device also allows for the integration of video game-like elements into the narrative, from health potions to boss battles.
Magical Realism / Surrealism
Blending the mundane with the fantastical and dreamlike
The novel heavily employs magical realism and surrealism, where talking crabs, giant insects, and shifting landscapes are presented with a matter-of-fact tone. This device blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, making Ben's journey feel both grounded in his human experience and utterly fantastical. It allows the author to explore profound themes through absurd scenarios, creating a unique tone that is both humorous and deeply unsettling, challenging the reader's perception of what is possible.
The MacGuffin (The Way Home)
Ben's unwavering goal to return to his family
While 'The Way Home' is a tangible desire for Ben, it functions as a MacGuffin in the sense that its specific mechanics are less important than its role in driving the plot and Ben's character arc. The elusive nature of returning home forces Ben to engage with The Path's challenges, seek out The Producer, and make difficult choices. It provides a clear, powerful motivation that propels the narrative forward, even when the means to achieve it are unclear or constantly shifting.
The Hike Quotes
“It was a gorgeous day, the kind that made you want to go for a walk, but not necessarily a hike.”
“He thought about his wife, about his kids, about his job, about the life he was trying to build, and none of it felt quite real.”
“The woods were beautiful, yes, but they were also indifferent. They didn't care if he lived or died.”
“He was a grown man, a father, a husband, and yet he felt like a lost child.”
“The magic wasn't in the destination, it was in the journey, the struggle, the sheer act of putting one foot in front of the other.”
“He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he knew he wouldn't find it if he turned back.”
“The further he went, the more he shed the layers of his old life.”
“He realized that sometimes, the only way to find yourself is to get completely lost.”
“The mountain was a metaphor for all the things he had to climb in his life.”
“He had to confront the darkness within himself before he could appreciate the light.”
“The real test wasn't the physical exertion, but the mental fortitude required to keep going.”
“He learned that strength wasn't about never falling, but about getting back up every time you did.”
“He didn't know if he would ever be the same man who started the hike, and that was okay.”
“The woods had given him a gift, a chance to start over, a chance to be someone new.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the name of the main character in "The Hike"?
- Drew Magary
- Ben
- The Producer
- Chuck Palahniuk
Show answer
B. Ben The book summary explicitly states, "When Ben, a suburban family man, takes a business trip..."
Question 2
Where does Ben begin his hike?
- In his suburban backyard
- In the woods behind his hotel in rural Pennsylvania
- Near a video game arcade
- In a fantasy realm
Show answer
B. In the woods behind his hotel in rural Pennsylvania The text states, "When he sets out into the woods behind his hotel, he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily."
Question 3
What kind of creatures does Ben encounter in the woods?
- Friendly woodland animals
- Rival hikers
- Man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects
- Dragons and elves
Show answer
C. Man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects The summary mentions, "Ben finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a world of man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects."
Question 4
Who does Ben seek out to free him from the world he is trapped in?
- The profane crustacean
- His family
- The author, Drew Magary
- The 'Producer'
Show answer
D. The 'Producer' The text states Ben is determined to track down the "Producer," the creator of the world and the only one who can free him.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an element woven into the fantasy saga?
- Folk tales
- Video games
- Historical events
- Magical objects, tools, and potions
Show answer
C. Historical events The summary mentions folk tales, video games, and magical items, but not historical events as influences.
Question 6
What is the tone described as, in addition to being funny?
- Terrifying and suspenseful
- Melancholy and reflective
- Quietly profound and touching
- Action-packed and chaotic
Show answer
C. Quietly profound and touching BoingBoing is quoted as describing the book as "Inventive, funny. . . . Quietly profound and touching."
Question 7
According to NPR.org, what is the effect of the twist at the end of the book?
- It is predictable and anticlimactic
- It hits you like a sharp jab at the bell
- It is easily missed by the reader
- It resolves all the story's conflicts peacefully
Show answer
B. It hits you like a sharp jab at the bell NPR.org is quoted as saying, "Magary underhands a twist in at the end that hits you like a sharp jab at the bell."
Question 8
What is the primary motivation driving Ben's quest?
- To defeat the Producer
- To explore the fantasy world
- To return to his family
- To find magical artifacts
Show answer
C. To return to his family The summary repeatedly emphasizes Ben's desire to return to his family, stating, "Desperate to return to his family, Ben is determined to track down the 'Producer'..."
Question 9
The description compares the book to which author's early work?
- Drew Magary
- Chuck Palahniuk
- NPR.org
- BoingBoing
Show answer
B. Chuck Palahniuk The NPR.org quote begins with, "The Hike just works. It's like early, good Chuck Palahniuk."
Question 10
What does Ben realize once he sets out on the path in the woods?
- The hike is much shorter than he expected
- He is completely lost and cannot turn back
- The path is a trap and cannot be abandoned easily
- He is being followed by other hikers
Show answer
C. The path is a trap and cannot be abandoned easily The text states, "Once he sets out into the woods behind his hotel, he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily."
The Hike FAQ
What is the book 'The Hike' by Drew Magary about?
The Hike is a fantasy novel about Ben, a suburban family man who gets lost on a hike and finds himself in a bizarre, dangerous world. He must navigate this realm filled with giants, demons, and magical creatures to find the 'Producer' and return to his family.
What genre is 'The Hike' by Drew Magary?
The Hike is a contemporary fantasy novel that blends elements of folk tales and video games into a unique adventure story.
Who is the main character in 'The Hike'?
The main character is Ben, an ordinary suburban family man who gets unexpectedly drawn into an extraordinary and perilous journey.
What kind of challenges does Ben face in 'The Hike'?
Ben faces a variety of fantastical and life-threatening challenges, including man-eating giants, bizarre demons, colossal insects, and a world that seems designed to keep him from leaving.
Are there any humorous elements in 'The Hike'?
Yes, the book is described as bitingly funny and features unexpected companions like a profane crustacean, adding a significant dose of humor to the adventure.
What inspired the world-building in 'The Hike'?
The world-building in 'The Hike' draws inspiration from classic folk tales and video games, creating a familiar yet distinctly original fantasy setting.
Is 'The Hike' a dark or light-hearted story?
While the story involves intense peril and life-or-death stakes, it is also described as quietly profound, touching, and bitingly funny, suggesting a balance between darkness and light.
What is the main goal of the protagonist, Ben?
Ben's primary goal is to escape the dangerous world he's trapped in and return to his family, for whom he desperately longs.
How does 'The Hike' compare to other fantasy novels?
It's noted for being a remarkably unique addition to the contemporary fantasy genre, weaving folk tale and video game elements in a way that sets it apart from more traditional fantasy sagas.
What is the 'Producer' in 'The Hike'?
The 'Producer' is the creator of the world Ben finds himself in. Ben believes that finding and confronting the Producer is the only way to be freed from this perilous realm.
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