It's like a horrifying car accident that you can't pull your eyes away from no matter how much you want to. The things he says and does and even thinks while facing starvation and humility are so jarring and off-putting, but at the same time entrancing. If you have ever faced anything similar (the humiliation that goes with being poor, hungry, and desperate), you will easily relate to the protagonist.

There's nothing over the top gore-y but one of the reasons it's so impactful is that this is very true to life. And because this is told in first person, you have a front seat view of his descent. The reason why I thought it was horror: The protagonist faces extreme desperation and virtually loses his mind. This is told in first person and in a sometimes rambling and 'stream of consciousness' style.

In Hunger, we follow Hamsun's retelling of his impoverished youth where he faced tremendous mental and physical hardships. Written by Knut Hamsun, an influential and controversial writer, who has won Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920 and also openly supported Hitler and Nazi ideology. It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, philosophy, or the human condition.This is one of those non-horror books that easily could have been categorized as horror. Overall, 'Hunger' is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful novel that offers a unique perspective on the human experience. Hamsun paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life for those who are poor and struggling, and he shows how the forces of capitalism and materialism can grind people down and leave them feeling powerless and hopeless. We see the pride and determination that drive him, as well as the moments of self-doubt and despair that threaten to overwhelm him.Īt the same time, 'Hunger' is also a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of the time. Through a series of stream-of-consciousness monologues and reflections, we see the world through Hagar's eyes and come to understand his motivations and desires. One of the most striking things about 'Hunger' is the way that Hamsun portrays Hagar's inner thoughts and feelings. Along the way, he encounters a wide range of people and experiences, from the kindness of strangers to the cruelty and indifference of those who have more than he does. Hagar is a complex and deeply flawed character, and the novel charts his descent into poverty and desperation as he struggles to find a way to make a living and support himself.

At its core, the novel is about a struggling writer named Hagar who is struggling to make ends meet in the rough and tumble world of late 19th century Norway. The novel 'Hunger' by Knut Hamsun is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Hunger by Knut Hamsun