Read this when
Hunger
He's starving, and he just gave his last coins to a beggar. 😅 For everyone who'd rather suffer than admit they need help.
Who it's for
The unnamed narrator is starving in Kristiania (now Oslo), yet repeatedly turns down food, lies about his circumstances, and gives away the little money he has, all to protect an image of himself as a writer and a gentleman.
Feelings it meets
What it is
Hunger is an 1890 novel by Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun, narrated in the first person by an unnamed, starving young writer wandering the streets of Kristiania (now Oslo). Across four episodes he looks for food and money, meets various people including a woman he calls Ylajali, and, out of a self-imposed sense of pride and chivalry, gives away money and clothing and turns down food, which speeds his decline.
Where to find it
Public domain in the US (1890; George Egerton's 1899 translation is free on Project Gutenberg). Lyngstad's recommended translation is in print (Penguin/Canongate). Available from libraries and as an a.
Before you start
Heads up: Prolonged starvation and deterioration.
Age: Ages 16+
Your friend is your needs answered.Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, “On Friendship”
