The author of Sult (Hunger), one of the first genuinely modern novels in European literature, Knut Hamsun is considered one of Norway's greatest writers. During the Athens Book Festival, the 150 year anniversary of his birth was celebrated.
The Embassy and the Norwegian Institute in Athens participated at the 38th Athens Book Festival with a tribute to Knut Hamsun's work. Poet and essayist Anastasis Vistonitis presented aspects of the life and work of Knut Hamsun in connection with the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the author's birth, followed by actor Konstantinos Themelis reading extraits from Hunger and The Growth of the Soil. The session was introduced by Professor Panos Dimas, Director of the Norwegian Institute.
Panos Dimas (left), Anastasis Vistnoitis and Konstantinos Themelis at the Athens Book Festival. Photo: Christina Sordina
Knut Hamsun's works are regarded as classics in Norwegian literature, and he remains one of Norway’s most widely translated fiction-writers. He had his literary breakthrough with Sult (Hunger), an autobiographical novel marking the emergence of Neo-romanticism in Norway. Hamsun received the Nobel Prize in 1920 for Markens Grøde (The Growth of the Soil), published in 1917.
Controversial politics
Regarded as one of Norway’s most important writers, his politics, on the other hand, were controversial. Hamsun sympathised with the Nazis, and was charged with treason after the war. The anniversary has generated and renewed the public debate about the dark sides of Knut Hamsun.
Taking place at Zappion, the Athens Book Festival runs from 11 to 27 September and is this year dedicated to the theme of "Greening the future".
By Gunhild Guldseth