Hunger (Norwegian Sult) is a groundbreaking novel by Norwegian author Knut Hamsun, first published in its final form in 1890. Often considered the literary catalyst for the 20th century, this work exemplifies modern literature driven by psychological depth. With a unique blend of intrigue and humor, Hamsun explores the irrationality of the human mind through the lens of his own experiences. Set against the backdrop of late 19th century Kristiania, the story follows a starving young man whose grip on reality begins to unravel in the shadows of a bustling metropolis. As he desperately attempts to maintain a façade of respectability, his physical and mental decline unfolds in vivid detail. His struggle, compounded by his reluctance to pursue a traditional career that he feels is beneath him, is portrayed through a series of encounters that Hamsun described as a series of analyses. The protagonist’s traits echo those of Raskolnikov from Dostoevsky’s works, reflecting the profound influence of the Russian author, while the naturalistic style reminiscent of Emile Zola illuminates Hamsuns rejection of conventional realism.
