Author
Knut Hamsun
1859-1952
Knut Hamsun (1859-1952) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Knut Hamsun
Hunger
"Hunger" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1890. Set in late 19th-century Kristiania, it follows an unnamed, starving young writer wandering the streets as his mental and physical state deteriorates. While trying to maintain respectability, he descends into delusional existence, overwhelmed by poverty and pride. The novel explores the irrational depths of the human mind through detailed psychological analysis, depicting a self-destructive protagonist who refuses to surrender his dignity even as hunger consumes him.
Wanderers
"Wanderers" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book features an autobiographical protagonist, Knut Pedersen, who navigates themes of longing and introspection as he reflects on his past and desires a return to peace amid the struggle of life. Hamsun's writing often delves deeply into the psychological aspects of his characters, revealing their innermost emotions and vulnerabilities. The opening of "Wanderers" sets a reflective tone, introducing us to Knut Pedersen as he reminisces about a lost tranquility, recalling images of nature and a desire to escape from city life. He finds himself on a remote island, where he experiences a profound sense of joy intertwined with melancholy, juxtaposing his memories of youth with his current state of quiet desperation. As he interacts with local inhabitants, including Old Gunhild and the painter Grindhusen, the narrative foreshadows a deeper exploration of human connections and the intricate web of relationships that shape his introspections. Hamsun’s elegant prose paints a rich portrait of a quest for meaning and identity, threading moments of nostalgia throughout the character’s journey.
Pan
"Pan" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in 1894. Lieutenant Thomas Glahn, a solitary hunter living in a forest hut, falls into a passionate but misunderstood romance with Edvarda, a merchant's daughter from a nearby town. As the seasons shift from spring to autumn, their incompatible worlds—nature versus culture—collide, leading Glahn through a series of tragedies. The novel explores the tensions between isolation and society, and the devastating consequences of love between two people who cannot truly understand each other.
Look Back on Happiness
"Look Back on Happiness" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1912. The third book in Hamsun's "wanderer trilogy," it follows an aging narrator who retreats to a cabin in the woods, seeking solitude and peace in nature. Yet his attempt to distance himself from human connection unravels when he meets the charming Solem and Miss Thorsen. Unable to acknowledge his true feelings, the narrator deceives himself about what he truly wants, leading to inevitable misfortune in this meditation on aging and self-delusion.
Growth of the Soil
"Growth of the Soil" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1917 that won him the Nobel Prize in Literature. It follows Isak, a Norwegian man who settles on remote land and builds a farm from nothing. As his family grows and prospers through hard work, they face challenges from both nature and encroaching modernity. The story explores themes of primitive agrarian life, the bond between humans and land, and the tensions that arise when traditional rural existence confronts progress and civilization.
Die Weiber am Brunnen: Roman
"Die Weiber am Brunnen: Roman" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a small coastal town and revolves around the lives of its residents, presenting a rich tapestry of social interactions and individual struggles through the lens of local characters. The main character appears to be Oliver, a young man who has returned home after a maritime accident, navigating the complexities of his new reality and the relationships he has with other townsfolk, including Lydia, his wife, and various townspeople whose lives intertwine with his. The opening of the novel establishes the setting and introduces several key characters while drawing a vivid picture of small-town life. It opens with reflections on how those from the big city perceive the smaller community, setting a tone of nostalgia and social commentary. As the narrative unfolds, we meet characters like the hardworking fisherman Jörgen and his determined wife Lydia, who is eager for their participation in local festivities and maintaining social status. Oliver, still grappling with his physical limitations after his accident, finds himself at the center of community interactions, where past events and relationships shape his present, signaling the gradual exploration of themes such as identity, social dynamics, and resilience in facing challenges.
Sult
"Sult" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1890. Set in late 19th-century Kristiania, it follows an unnamed starving young man as he wanders the city streets, his mental and physical state deteriorating. Despite his intellectual pretensions and self-imposed code of honor, he descends into delusionary existence, scrounging for food while struggling to maintain respectability. The novel explores the irrationality of the human mind through detailed psychological observation, marking a pioneering work of modern literature.
Segen der Erde: Roman
"Segen der Erde: Roman" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1917 that won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920. It follows Isak, a Norwegian man who settles on wild land and builds a farm from nothing. As his family grows and modernity encroaches through telegraph lines and copper mining, their simple agrarian life faces new challenges. The novel celebrates primitive values and humanity's relationship with the soil, while chronicling the tensions between traditional rural existence and the forces of progress.
Victoria
"Victoria" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Johannes, the Miller's son, as he grows up, navigates adolescent dreams, and grapples with his feelings for Victoria, the daughter of the wealthy Castle family. The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the social divides between their respective classes. The opening portion introduces us to Johannes as a thoughtful young boy filled with grand aspirations, from becoming a diver to rescuing Princesses. He is depicted interacting with the mystical nature around him, such as talking to birds and caring for trees, before being summoned by his father to ferry the Castle children to a nearby island. Here, he encounters Victoria, a younger girl who captures his attention. As he attends to the other's whims and wishes, he grapples with his own longing for connection. The initial scenes set the stage for a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the sweetness of innocence contrasted against the complexities of adulthood and social stratification. The early dynamic foreshadows a deeper narrative as Johannes matures, and their fates intertwine across the backdrop of class and personal ambition.
Shallow Soil
"Shallow Soil" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores the complexities of human relationships and social dynamics in Norway's Christiania, focusing on the lives of its characters against the backdrop of societal change. The character of Ole Henriksen, a businessman, is introduced along with his fiancée, Aagot, and his interactions with various friends and acquaintances reveal the intricate web of emotions, aspirations, and disillusionments that define their existence. The opening of "Shallow Soil" warmly introduces the bustling life of the city as the sun rises, casting a golden light over everyday activities in the harbor and streets. It primarily features Ole Henriksen, who has just returned from Torahus with his fiancée, Aagot, as they navigate the world of commerce and camaraderie. As they interact with friends like the celebrated poet Irgens and the artist Milde, the atmosphere is lively and reflective of both the vibrancy and the challenges of urban life. Conversations among the characters delve into themes of ambition, love, and social standing, setting the stage for deeper explorations of personal and artistic aspirations that define their lives.
Éhség : $b regény
"Éhség: regény" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1890. Set in late 19th-century Kristiania, it follows a starving young man whose grip on reality deteriorates as he wanders the city streets. Unable to pursue a conventional career and driven by self-destructive pride, he experiences mental and physical decay while clinging to respectability. Through a series of encounters, the novel explores the irrationality of the human mind, blending psychological depth with dark humor as the protagonist descends into a delusionary existence.
Mothwise
"Mothwise" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Ove Rolandsen, a telegraph operator in a small Norwegian village who finds himself entangled in a web of love, social intrigue, and aspirations. The narrative explores his relationships with various characters, including his betrothed, Marie van Loos, and his infatuation with the alluring Elise Mack, as he grapples with his ambitions and the impact of spring on his heart. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Marie van Loos, who is watching Ove Rolandsen and Olga, the parish clerk’s daughter, in what she suspects is a budding romance. As excitement builds in the village with the arrival of a new priest and his wealthy wife, Rolandsen exhibits a blend of humor and bravado as he tries to navigate his feelings for both women. The opening chapters set the stage for exploring themes of love and class dynamics while showcasing Rolandsen's aspirations for both personal and professional success, hinting at the intricate and humorous entanglements that lie ahead.
Markens grøde, Første del
"Markens grøde, Første del" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1917 that won him the Nobel Prize in Literature. It follows Isak, a Norwegian man who settles on a remote patch of land and carves out a farm from the wilderness. As his family grows and civilization encroaches with telegraph lines and mining prospects, Isak must navigate between his agrarian values and the forces of modernity. The story explores humanity's primal connection to the earth against the backdrop of early twentieth-century progress.
Őszi csillagok
"Őszi csillagok" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book revolves around a reflective and introspective protagonist who seeks tranquility in nature away from the bustle of urban life. As he navigates through memories and the peaceful surroundings, he grapples with existential thoughts and encounters various characters that shape his experience. The opening portion of the novel begins with the protagonist appreciating the serene beauty of the sea and the surrounding forest during an Indian summer. He expresses a feeling of peace he hasn't experienced in many years and reflects on past lives, suggesting a sense of déjà vu. As he walks through the woods, he recalls a location along the Caspian Sea that shares a similar tranquility, hinting at a deeper connection to nature. The narrative introduces a character named Gunhild, an elderly woman who seems to embody the simple and persistent rhythms of life around him, and it sets a tone of nostalgia as the protagonist contemplates his surroundings and the quietness of isolation.
Unter Herbststernen
"Unter Herbststernen" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around characters who seek solace and peace away from the chaos of the city, specifically focusing on the protagonist who finds himself living in solitude by the sea and is driven by reflections of the past. As the story progresses, it introduces a reclusive painter, the old housekeeper Gunhild, and others, intertwining their lives with themes of memory, nostalgia, and the pursuit of inner tranquility. The opening of this novel establishes a serene yet melancholic setting where the protagonist experiences an overwhelming sense of peace and familiarity with the natural surroundings. This peace is contrasted with his memories of city life, hinting at a tumultuous past filled with struggles against societal noise. As he explores the island's rich landscapes and interacts with Gunhild and a fellow worker, Grindhusen, his reflections indicate a search for identity and belonging. The text skillfully encapsulates the beauty of autumn and the longing for connection while hinting at the complexities of human relationships, setting the stage for unfolding narratives in the tranquil yet introspective environment of the story.
Tóbiás király városa
"Tóbiás király városa" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the fictional town of Segelfoss and revolves around various characters, primarily focusing on Theodor, the merchant's son, who is involved in a comical and curious event concerning a flag that is raised on a hill as the townsfolk speculate about its significance. This opening establishes a vivid social landscape filled with gossip and the dynamics of local life. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the bustling life in Segelfoss, focusing on Theodor, who whimsically raises a flag for dubious reasons, much to the amusement and curiosity of the townspeople. Ole Johan and Lars Manuelsen converse about local happenings, particularly Theodor's antics and the status of the wealthy landowner, Holmengraa. The narrative also explores the strained familial relationship between Theodor and his aging father, Per, who is bedridden and disconnected from the modern world. Through these interactions, a sense of community and intrigue emerges, setting the stage for future developments in the plot.
Sklaven der Liebe, und andere Novellen
"Sklaven der Liebe, und andere Novellen" by Knut Hamsun is a collection of novellas written in the late 19th century. The title novella, "Sklaven der Liebe," explores themes of unrequited love and longing through the eyes of a young female café worker enamored with a man named Wladimierz. The collection likely delves into the emotional landscapes and social situations of its characters, encapsulating Hamsun's signature psychological insight. The opening of "Sklaven der Liebe" introduces us to a young waitress who has lost her job and reflects on her feelings for a handsome but aloof patron, Wladimierz F. Despite his disinterest in her initially, she becomes increasingly attached to him, interpreting small gestures—like receiving flowers from him—as profound tokens of affection. As she observes Wladimierz interacting with others, her emotions fluctuate between hope and despair, revealing her vulnerability and yearning for a love that seems increasingly unattainable. This section sets the stage for a poignant exploration of love's complexities, illustrating how the subtleties of human relationships can evoke deep emotional turmoil.
Markens grøde, Anden del
"Markens grøde, Anden del" by Knut Hamsun is the second book of a novel published in 1917 that won the Nobel Prize in Literature. It continues the story of Isak and his family at their Norwegian farm, Sellanraa, as they navigate the tensions between traditional agrarian life and encroaching modernity. The narrative shifts to follow new settler Axel Ström while chronicling unexpected financial reversals, land sales, and the evolving fates of Isak's sons in a changing rural world.
Nälkä
"Nälkä" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1890. Set in late 19th-century Kristiania, it follows an unnamed starving young man wandering the streets as his mental and physical state deteriorates. While trying to maintain respectability, he descends into a delusionary existence, overwhelmed by hunger and his own self-destructive choices. This psychology-driven work explores the irrational workings of the human mind through a series of encounters, depicting the darker side of modern urban life with both intensity and dark humor.
Saban kuningatar sekä muita kertomuksia
"Saban kuningatar sekä muita kertomuksia" by Knut Hamsun is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book features various narratives that explore themes of love, identity, and human experience, likely showcasing Hamsun's unique lyrical prose style. The main character in the title story, "Saban kuningatar," encounters a captivating young woman and reflects on his experiences and emotions connected to her. The opening of "Saban kuningatar" introduces us to the narrator as he recounts an intriguing experience from 1888 while traveling in Sweden. He describes a chance encounter with a mysterious young woman, whom he nicknames "Saban kuningatar" (Queen of Sheba), after their brief yet profound interaction at a cozy inn. The narrator's fascination grows as he recalls their interactions, marked by a sense of missed connections and romantic longing. This initial segment sets the tone for Hamsun's exploration of memory and desire, establishing a captivating narrative that promises to delve into the complexities of love and the human condition.
Syystähden alla: Kulkijan kertomus
"Syystähden alla: Kulkijan kertomus" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a wandering protagonist who yearns for peace and solitude, having escaped the chaos of city life to find solace in nature, particularly on a serene island. His experiences in the rural setting and encounters with various characters, such as the old woman Gunhild, reflect themes of nostalgia, identity, and the essence of human connection with the surroundings. The opening of the narrative introduces us to a tranquil landscape where the protagonist enjoys a day by the sea, reminiscing about his past. He reflects on a deep-seated connection to the land, suggesting a sense of belonging that transcends time. As he interacts with the locals, including Gunhild, who operates a modest fish trading business, we see a blend of humor and genuine human experience. The protagonist's encounter with an old companion, Grindhusen, further develops the story, highlighting memories of their shared youth amidst work and camaraderie. This establishing portion sets the tone for a reflective journey that intertwines personal history with the beauty of nature and community.
Hunger: Book One
"Hunger: Book One" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1890. Set in late 19th-century Kristiania, it follows a starving young man whose grip on reality deteriorates as he wanders the city streets. The unnamed protagonist clings to respectability while his body and mind decay from hunger. Through a series of encounters, the novel explores the irrational workings of the human psyche, blending psychological depth with dark humor as the vagrant intellectually refuses conventional work yet slowly descends into delusionary desperation.
Haaveilija
"Haaveilija" by Knut Hamsun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around Marie van Loos, a housemaid at a parsonage, as she navigates her emotions and observations regarding her fiancé, Ove Rolandsen, and the new pastor's arrival in the community. The narrative hints at themes of ambition, aspiration, and the complexities of love in a rural setting. The opening of "Haaveilija" establishes the atmosphere of anticipation and change in a small parish, coinciding with the arrival of a new pastor and his family. As Marie van Loos looks out the kitchen window, she observes her fiancé and a local girl, sparking her curiosity and concern about their growing connection. The community buzzes with excitement and speculation about the new pastor's wealth and the impact he will have on their lives. Rolandsen is portrayed as a complex figure, grappling with his feelings for both Marie and Olga, the village girl, indicating a love triangle that may unfold as the story progresses. The stage is set for exploration of personal desires against societal expectations within the context of rural life.
Pán : $b Regény
"Pán : Regény" by Knut Hamsun is a novel published in 1894. Lieutenant Glahn retreats to a remote hunting cabin in northern Norway, living alone with his dog in the wilderness. His summer unfolds through passionate yet turbulent relationships with three young women, particularly the difficult Edvarda, daughter of a wealthy merchant. The story weaves between Glahn's pantheistic nature observations and his conflicting emotions toward civilization and human connection. An epilogue reveals Glahn's fate in India, closing this tale of isolation, longing, and inner turmoil.