Victoria - Book Club April '11
April we will be discussing Victoria by Knut Hamsun. He's probably better known for his book Hunger. Knut was one of Bukowski's heroes. So I've been meaning to read him for awhile now. I'm looking forward to this discussion because I don't think it's a typical book for us to choose. But in my opinion - that's the point of the Book Club. We are supposed to join a book club when we want to expand our reading selection. When we want to try new things. Anyway - we don't have a discussion leader for this month. If anybody is interested, let me know. Get to reading!
When it first appeared in 1898, this fourth novel by celebrated Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun captured instant acclaim for its poetic, psychologically intense portrayal of love’s predicament in a class-bound society. Set in a coastal village of late nineteenth- century Norway, Victoria follows two doomed lovers through their thwarted lifelong romance. Johannes, the son of a miller, finds inspiration for his writing in his passionate devotion to Victoria, an impoverished aristocrat constrained by family loyalty. Separated by class barriers and social pressure, the fated pair parts ways, only to realize—too late—the grave misfortune of their lost opportunity. Elegantly rendered in this brand-new translation by Sverre Lyngstad, Victoria’s haunting lyricism and emotional depth remain as timeless as ever.
Nate - I think you were the one that recommended it! Did you think I was messing with you when I said we can do it? lol
I figured it be one of those things where it's like the 5th book nominated but only like the top 4 eventually get used.
When he grew up he wanted to be a maker of matches. It was so deliciously dangerous; he would get sulphur on his fingers, making everybody afraid to shake hands with him. His comrades would stand in awe of him because of his sinister trade.
Just curious if anyone's gotten their copy yet or started reading.
I was going to try and get it this weekend. If the stores don't have it, I'm going to have to order it though.
Everyone will probably have to order it, unless you got a damn good book store. Usually, if they do have any Hamsun books, it'll just be Hunger.
But it's only an 82 page book, so it should be a breeze to get through once it comes in.
Oh nice!
I'll be ordering it today or tomorrow then. And as soon as it comes in, I'm gonna fly through it. I can read that in one or two sittings.
I managed to borrow it from the local library. Just got it yesterday and I'm just about finished. So far I'm actually surprised that this on was the reading list. Doesn't seem like the usual type of book we would read.
I'm kind of interested to read Hunger now since it appears to be his most popular book.
If I were this Johannes character I would kick VIctoria in the box and tell her to jump off a bridge....
this book picked up for me when the engagement was announced, for some reason. I think Hamsun allowed Johannes emotions to really come out...prior to that it seemed your classic ill-fated lovers tale.
I'm waiting for my copy to come in. It should be here Monday or Tuesday I would guess.
As for us picking it - my vision for the Book Club was always to get us, as readers, to read books we would not normally go to the book store and buy. It hasn't always worked out like that - but when it does, it's pretty awesome.
I started this last night - finally!
I'm on chapter 4. I'm going to fly through this hopefully. I'll finish it probably tonight or tomorrow. I wish I had more time to read. This book isn't what I expected at all.
I finished this last night.
Let's discuss!
The first half of this book felt exactly like Ask the Dust (but this was written first I think?). The whole time you're screaming just get together you fucks!
But the difference with this one (compared with Ask the Dust), you find there is a reason for the way Victoria is acting.
And I might be totally wrong with the Ask the Dust comparison because it was quite a while ago I read it and I read it in two days so I might be remembering it wrong. So I apologize in advance if that is the case. lol
Come on Nate!
Well shit on me! I didn't think it'd ever happen!
I'll take it off the shelf and re-read it and come up with some talking points.