Reviews

Hunger by Knut Hamsun

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greden's review against another edition

3.0

A captivating and well-written book about a man trying to survive in Oslo, then Christiania, in the 19th century. Literature experts note this as being a new kind of writing, thus its fame, though I can't really say if it is. I do know it did have a strange effect on me. The way I interpreted the book is that the protagonist is somehow outside society yet paradoxically deeply embedded in it at the same time. He has no family, no place in society, he's been forgotten, yet he's loyal to the customs and mannerisms of society. At the brink of death of starvation, he battles with his dignity and social standing, his reputation, etc. His pride, his fear of other people's opinions of him, nearly kills him of starvation.

It's a book worth reading. I decided to read the first part in the original Danish, Norwegian and English, and ended up with the latter. I'm glad that this book reminded me of the beauty of the Norwegian language.

pezpirola's review against another edition

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4.0

Cortito y muy bien escrito,disfrutón.

albertomdh's review against another edition

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2.0

Cansino histórico que es el protagonista de Hambre, gensanta.

La novela está bien escrita, pero el protagonista es inaguantable. Está rodeado de gente que le ofrece ayuda, pero es incapaz de aceptarla. Es como el escudero de [b:El Lazarillo de Tormes|25695678|El Lazarillo de Tormes|Anonymous|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1433882892l/25695678._SY75_.jpg|362] dispuesto a morirse de hambre por no rebajar su orgullo.

marie_90's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The protagonist is really self destructive, hindering himself in every way possible all the while he aches terribly about the life he somewhat chose to live... for a moment you get hopeful he will figure it out and the next he destroys his newfound resources again.

radcat's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

ollakalla's review against another edition

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dark funny sad slow-paced

3.0

laurenexploresbooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This work highlights the struggles of mental health, poverty, homelessness, and hunger for a writer in the late 1800s. He makes many decisions from a point of survival, and deeply wants a happy and successful life, but it feels unachievable.

Content Warnings