Reviews

Hunger by Knut Hamsun

marc129's review against another edition

3.0

This reminded me a lot of Gogol and Dostoyevsky's early novels: a main character endlessly wandering through the city, expressing feverish monologues, and getting lost in all kinds of delusions. In this case, Hamsun has chosen to focus on the permanent hunger of his "man-with-no-name," a penniless writer who tries to survive from day to day and is extremely inventive about finding money and food. I wouldn't call this really naturalistic (the ending leaves open the possibility of salvation), but you don't get cheerful by the gnawing hunger of the main character. I have the impression that Hamsun has also factored in a symbolic reading: man's thirst (pun intended) for recognition and more. And that, of course, brings him even closer to Dostoevsky. Still, in my opinion, the Russian definitely played in a higher league.

lavinia_speaks's review against another edition

dark funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

whoz_swechchha's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

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

4.25

enricats's review against another edition

3.0

Interesting exploration into the whole ‘starving artist’ concept. Hamsun’s prose really sweeps you along into the unnamed narrator’s disintegrating mind and makes you reflect on the futility of artistic expression in a world that just doesn’t care.

Probably would’ve enjoyed it more if I’d read it all in one sitting.

floatinthevoid's review against another edition

dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Don't read this if you're one push away from death

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria

sayinelifsayin's review against another edition

4.0

I really, really think that he should've died at the end.

sohxpie's review against another edition

4.0

Hunger was an interesting read, I was never quite able to predict what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the strange element of mystery and intrigue of the main character. The unpredictability of him and his actions were mostly entertaining. I honestly wasn't expecting that ending, I was expecting something much more...dire, but then again, our protagonist always seems to land on his feet so maybe it was expected. I really enjoyed the writing style of the novel, it flowed really well and was a surprisingly easy read. I think I was expecting something heavier, though soon realised the elements of humour made it a well-balanced read. It's definitely a thought-provoking novel but at the same time, it doesn't feel too philosophical. Definitely a commentary on society but not too in your face. Overall, a fairly enjoyable read that definitely pushes me in wanting to read more of Hamsun's work. 

tlockett's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

miltiades's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

giu_lia's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Utterly devastating.