Reviews

Hunger by Knut Hamsun

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The whisper of Blood

Knut Hamssun, the receiver of Nobel Prize for literature in 1920 for his novel 'Growth of Soil' have remarked that literature should try to study the working of human mind - "whisper of the blood, and the pleading of the bone marrow".

His novel 'Hunger' is based on personal experiences from days when he was suffering high financial crisis and had to go at stteches of days with out food.

The first person narration brings you his extreme moodiness during those days,he starts having crazy ideas and hauliciations. He would curse god, do strange things. It was a wonder he could actually hold on to morality to the extent he did. Hunger can easily screw anyone's idea of honour. He never even begged.

But not everyone will have strength. I personally won't and I'm not even now sure that it is a crime for a starving person to steal, is it? Most of us never were hungry for such long time. People will eat something even when they fast (I'm cooking as I write).Though it could be greatly educative experience to force starvation on oneself for some days - specially for politicians and moralists. Then most of what we have, is inherited (atleast educational opportunities),then are we worthier than a starving person, who didn't have such luck, Of food we eat? If not, than isn't the thief for food just takng his right.

The past tense shows that narrator has survived the worst, the small love affair probably had a role. Though there is no denying of his moral strength. The novel ends with narrator undertaking a sea journey as a sailor. The novel was published soon after author's return from similar journey.

A very simple book and a greatly experimental work given the time it was written in. Its use of interior monologuas are beautiful. The author is known to be a great inspiration on big guys such as Thomas Mann, Franz Kafka, Hermann Hesse, and Ernest Hemingway.

_anna_esque_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

2.5

yuyubuu's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

pussaydestroya's review against another edition

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challenging medium-paced

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

4.0

bozonbozonski's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

poischiche31's review against another edition

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3.0

Trying to learn more about what life might’ve been like for my Norwegian ancestors before they immigrated to the US.
Pretty harrowing account of hunger and poverty. Reminds me of my blessings and how lucky I am to not want for food, shelter, or any basic human necessities.

weejman33's review

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5.0

Down horrendously. This is a book that should be read across the world; it’s relevance in contemporary society in the U.S. especially is loud and clear.