In Wonderland [Paperback]

Knut Hamsun (Author), Sverre Lyngstad (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003

First published one hundred years ago, and now translated into English for the first time by noted Norwegian scholar Sverre Lyngstad, In Wonderland is a diaristic account of a trip Hamsun took to Russia at the turn of the century. This detailed travelogue is a rich and loving portrait of the people and culture of Russia, and is filled with the trademark style and keen observations of the author of such classics as Hunger, Mysteries, and Growth of the Soil.

In Wonderland is unlike any other book written by Hamsun, and offers not only an intimate glimpse into the mind of the Nobel Prize winning author at his unguarded best, but a rare view into a Russia that would soon vanish in the fire of revolution.

Product Details

• Paperback: 185 pages
• Publisher: Ig Publishing (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970312555
• ISBN-13: 978-0970312556
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,006,961 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Hamsun Classic, July 30, 2005

By 

Steven Larsen (Philadelphia, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: In Wonderland (Paperback)

Hamsun writes of his travels through Russia, or more accurately the Caucus region. Hamsun as always combines his sharp perceptual powers with honesty and humor. I was surprised how favorably Hamsun wrote of the mountain people, both Muslims and Christians. He seemed taken with the landscape and the way these people dealt with the harshness of life in this area, their fitness and fatalism. Along the way, Hamsun encounters conmen, police, armed villagers, beggars, oil drillers, peasants and nobles.

This is especially interesting reading given the importance this region now has geopolitically. Altogether, a fascinating bit of travel writing, worthwhile for Hamsun lovers and anyone looking for an easy adventure travel read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Knut is knuts, February 28, 2008

By 

Anatol Gubbenet (new jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Wonderland (Paperback)

This book is a very much condensed version of the original, as told to me by old-timers, which detailed Knut Hamsun's trip through Russia in 1900. The original book was about 4 times longer and was worthy of a Nobel prize winner. This book only has a few stupid anecdotes, and portrays Knut Hamsun as an idiot.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beyond a Travel Book, January 6, 2008

By 

Randy Keehn (Williston, ND United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In Wonderland (Paperback)

I have read a number of books by Knut Hamsun who is certainly an interesting writer. Recently I read several accounts of his travels in America where he freely expressed his opinions of the USA and various aspects of its' culture circa the 1880's. He has a keen sense of observation and a unique perspective of his fellow man. This is true in his book "In Wonderland" where he details an account of his travels in Russia just before the turn of the previous century. He details a lot of interesting observations from food to ethnic groups to travel accommodations. It comes across as a very interesting trip (with his "companion") and an interesting look at a world that has changed greatly since his visit. That look at a world that no longer exists is the real greatness of "In Wonderland".

Hansun was a gregarious individual with freely expressed opinions that will (or, at least, SHOULD) ruffle some feathers. His disdainful comments about Jews keep popping up. However, looking past that you'll find he is disdainful of others as well. The bedbugs kept me from wishing I was along for the ride but I was able to appreciate the scenery nonetheless thanks to Hamsun's candid literary skills.