10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another Hamsun Classic, July 30 2005
By Steven Larsen - Published on Amazon.com
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, Feb 28 2008
By Anatol Gubbenet - Published on Amazon.com
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, Jan 6 2008
By Randy Keehn - Published on Amazon.com
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.