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Cover of Hunger
Literary Fiction· Norway

Hunger

by Knut Hamsun
Aggregate Editorial Score66/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1890196 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Knut Hamsun's Hunger (1890) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. An unnamed young writer wanders through Christiania in a state of voluntary destitution, his consciousness fragmenting under hunger and pride as he refuses to compromise his artistic integrity. Hamsun's radical novel of psychological interiority influenced Kafka, Strindberg, and modern literary fiction. Henry Miller called it the first truly modern novel. Themes of hunger, pride, consciousness run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1890.

Book Details

AuthorKnut Hamsun
Published1890
Country of Origin🇳🇴 Norway
LanguageEnglish
Pages196
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780374529956
Editorial Score66/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇳🇴 Norway

This book is part of Norway's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Norway →

Editorial Assessment

Hunger by Knut Hamsun sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1890 in Norway, it engages with hunger, pride, consciousness, poverty in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Hunger among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1890. Our aggregate score of 66/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Hunger lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of hunger, pride, consciousness, poverty is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Knut Hamsun's role in the literature of Norway is well established. Hunger can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
189060
✍️
About the Author
Knut Hamsun
Norway
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Knut Hamsun is a celebrated author from Norway known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hunger about?

An unnamed young writer wanders through Christiania in a state of voluntary destitution, his consciousness fragmenting under hunger and pride as he refuses to compromise his artistic integrity. Hamsun's radical novel of psychological interiority influenced Kafka, Strindberg, and modern literary fiction. Henry Miller called it the first truly modern novel.

Who wrote Hunger?

Hunger was written by Knut Hamsun, from Norway. First published in 1890.

What awards has Hunger won?

Hunger has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1890.

Is Hunger worth reading?

Hunger is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in hunger, pride, consciousness.

Where can I buy Hunger?

You can buy Hunger on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Hunger?

Hunger is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Hunger from?

Hunger originates from Norway's literary tradition. Explore more books from Norway on our country page.

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