Krakauer and others have speculated that mccandless was estranged from his family because of his relationship with his father. what was his family life like? does it explain his later behavior?

Speaking from my own perspective, I would argue about the fact that his family life doesn't completely clarifies Chris' conduct. Chris was extremely vexed when he discovered his dad was having an unsanctioned romance outside marriage . This clarifies his ill will with father however doesn't clarify his total division from family. Chris was as far as anyone knows near his sister yet even the few post cards he sent her in the long run stop.