'The Ring Is Closed' by Knut Hamsun is a novel that showcases the author's strengths and revisits familiar themes from his earlier works. The story follows Abel Broderson, a son of a lighthouse keeper, as he rejects societal values and expectations, much to the bewilderment of those around him. The narrative is charged with a subtext that adds depth to the connected events, making it challenging to capture in a synopsis. The writing style is described as superlative, with well-drawn and memorable characters that resonate with readers, even the normal ones.

The book delves into themes of purpose in life, identity, and the struggle to connect with society, all told through the lens of an apparent Norwegian slacker. Hamsun's unique style shines through in this peculiar and complex work, making it a fitting conclusion to his literary career that began with 'Hunger' and continued with 'Growth of the Soil.' The novel is praised for its innovative exploration of human behavior and relations, offering an intriguing and sometimes puzzling depiction that resists easy interpretation but resonates with readers on a profound level.

Characters:

The characters are complex and memorable, embodying themes of isolation, societal quirks, and emotional depth.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is unique and complex, filled with nuance and modernist elements that reflect the author's literary strengths.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a protagonist who resists societal norms and values, featuring a complex narrative that defies conventional summarization.

Setting:

Set in early 20th-century Norway, the context enhances themes of isolation and societal critique.

Pacing:

The pacing is slower and may frustrate readers seeking a conventional narrative direction, reflecting the book's contemplative nature.

Notes:

Knut Hamsun is a significant figure in 19th and 20th-century literature.

He controversially praised Adolf Hitler and National Socialism in his life.

Hamsun's writing does not overtly display his political views, making it subtle and complex.

The Ring Is Closed is considered Hamsun's last major work published in the 1930s.

This novel explores themes of purpose, identity, and societal connection.

The main character, Abel Broderson, is depicted as disengaged from social ambitions.

Hamsun's earlier works, like Hunger and Growth of the Soil, are highly regarded and set the stage for his later works.

The Ring Is Closed is noted for its quirky, early 20th-century Norwegian setting and intriguing character interactions.

Hamsun often returns to themes of isolation and societal norms in his writing.

The book is described as odd and puzzling, with a focus on deeper meanings rather than a straightforward plot.

Despite its complexity, the novel remains engaging and compelling for many readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of existential angst, psychological distress, and societal critique, which could be intense or challenging for some readers.

From The Publisher:

The Ring is Closed combines a central character as iconoclastic as that of Hunger with an evocation of the limitations of small-town life to equal Mysteries . Abel is the only son of a miserly lighthouse-keeper, after falling in love he leaves his life in a village in southern Norway and travels around the United States. He returns home, haunted by secret crimes, and now his only ambition is to live, on the barest of necessities, without desire or ambition. Abel allows all opportunities for another life - an inheritance, employment, relationships - to slip away while Hamsun questions what is the true meaning of work and life.

What can you read after
The Ring Is Closed?

Hunger
Knut Hamsun
descent into madness
extreme poverty

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