Hunger a novel by Knut Hamsun
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| Hunger - novel by Knut Hamsun |
Summary of the novel
The protagonist of the novel, a young writer living in Oslo, Norway, finds himself in a state of extreme poverty and hunger. He is unable to afford food or shelter, and is constantly on the brink of starvation. Despite his dire circumstances, he remains determined to pursue his passion for writing, believing that his artistic vision will ultimately save him from his suffering.
As the protagonist's hunger intensifies, his mental and physical health deteriorate. He becomes obsessed with the idea of food, constantly fantasizing about meals he cannot afford to eat. His desperation leads him to engage in reckless and self-destructive behavior, alienating those around him and pushing himself further into isolation.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist grapples with feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. He struggles to reconcile his artistic ambitions with his basic human needs, leading to a profound existential crisis. As he delves deeper into his own psyche, he confronts the darker aspects of his personality and wrestles with the demons that threaten to consume him.
Hamsun's prose is both haunting and visceral, capturing the raw intensity of the protagonist's inner turmoil. The novel is a harrowing exploration of the human experience, delving into the depths of despair and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a stark reminder of the power of hunger, both physical and emotional, to shape and define our lives.
In the end, the protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption. Through his struggles, he comes to understand the true nature of his hunger and finds a sense of peace and acceptance within himself. Hunger is a profound and thought-provoking work that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.
An autobiographical novel about the life of the author when he was hungry in street of poor Scandinavian country.
prefatory Note from book
Ten years ago a little book on " Intellectual Life in the America of To-day " appeared in Norway. The intense individuality of its (it must be admitted often wrong-headed) point of view aroused interest and curiosity as to its author. It was followed shortly by his first novel "Suit" ("Hunger"). It made a great sensation ; was as the flash of some strange meteor, holding perhaps a menace to social life, across the firmament. It met with much adverse criticism ; indeed, it demanded some courage in those days to declare oneself an admirer of " that dreadful Hamsun ! " There was something mysterious, challenging something alike magnetic and repellent, in the man's personality, as in his work ; some- thing that invoked opposition. He was an unknown quantity in the society and literature of his country. " Hunger " was followed by a course of lectures, in which he beheaded the literary idols of the day.
Note from Studyebooks Curator :
No novel has ever touched me like this one. Having known similar struggles in my younger years, I deeply feel what the author portrays — the raw pain of loneliness and poverty. The character was hungry, yet his real hunger was for love.
Deprived of affection, means, and connection, he felt like a stray dog on the streets of Norway. The old silent film adaptation, Hunger, captures this hauntingly. Reading the book always brings me back to the hardest time of my life — when loneliness met poverty and deep sadness.
Seeing others find this book on my blog reminds me that many people carry these same scars. It is a heartbreaking story. Perhaps that’s why it’s not widely loved — but for those who recognize its truth, it stays with us forever."
Details:
LONDON
LEONARD SMITHERS AND CO
5 OLD BOND STREET W
1899
TRANSLATED FROM THE NORWEGIAN
BY
GEORGE EGERTON