Books Like...
In the mid 19th century, Isak walks far into the Norwegian wilderness looking for a good piece of land. When he finds it, he builds a hut, clears the trees, and farms the soil. Over the years he is joined by Inger, who becomes his wife, has several children, and builds one of the most impressive farms in the area with his own labor. The story follows the family as more people settle in the area, new technology comes to the farm, the children grow up, and Isak and Inger grow old. Isak remains dedicated to the traditional values of working the land throughout his life. The book depicts a homesteader's life in rural northern Norway in the 2nd half of the 19th century. The narrative captures the simplicity of rural existence and the impact of nature on humanity.
Hamsun's 'Growth of the Soil' is described as a beautifully written story that transcends time or place, providing a perspective on life and contentment. The book offers a nostalgic view of a simpler time and portrays the characters in a way that allows readers to discover their complexities. The writing style is praised for its simplicity yet ability to convey the nuances of relationships and the impact of nature on the characters' lives.
If you liked Growth of the Soil, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1Panby:
Save:'Pan' by Knut Hamsun is a novella set in the north of Norway, following the first-person protagonist Thomas Glahn, a Romantic hunter with a vague military background. The story delves into Glahn's amorous pain, erotic jealousy, and multiple love triangles, all narrated with a mix of dream sequences and nature imagery. The book explores the theme of love and its transformative power on the characters, all while questioning the honesty of Glahn's narrative and his alienation from cultured society.
These last few days I have been thinking and thinking of the Nordland summer, with its endless day. Sitting here thinking of that, and of a hut I lived in, and of the woods behind the hut. And writing... - #2
Save:'Hunger' by Knut Hamsun is a gripping and emotionally evocative novel that follows the unnamed protagonist, a starving writer journalist, as he navigates extreme poverty and hunger in the streets of Oslo. The narrative delves into the protagonist's descent into madness, his struggles with pride and self-destruction, and his relentless pursuit of dignity amidst dire circumstances. The writing style is stark, intense, and primal, portraying the protagonist's inner turmoil and erratic behavior with vivid descriptions of near insanity and misery.
Despite the bleak and intense atmosphere, 'Hunger' is lauded for its ability to immerse readers in the protagonist's psyche, leading them through moments of sublime passion, despair, and defiance. The novel offers a compelling exploration of themes such as pride, honor, shame, self-deception, and the complexities of human irrationality. Through a stream of consciousness narrative, the book provides a chilling and uncompromising look at the harsh realities of literary life in Oslo at the turn of the twentieth century, making it a thought-provoking read for those contemplating a life in artistic pursuits.
Lying awake in my attic room, I hear a clock strike six downstairs. It was fairly light already and people were beginning to walk up and down the stairs. Over by the door, where my room was papered wi... - #3
Save:Independent People by Halldor Laxness is an epic novel set in Iceland in the early 20th century, depicting the life of Bjartur, a stubborn sheep farmer who strives for independence at all costs. The book explores themes of resilience, stoicism, and the harsh realities of rural life in Iceland, with a focus on the struggles faced by Bjartur and his family as they navigate personal tragedies, economic hardships, and the desire for self-sufficiency. Laxness weaves Icelandic myth, superstition, and storytelling traditions into the narrative, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that captures the bleak yet beautiful landscape of Iceland.
The writing style of Independent People has been described as haunting, poetic, and timeless, with vivid descriptions of the Icelandic environment that transport readers to a world of hardship and survival. The book delves into the complexities of human nature, portraying characters who are flawed, compelling, and deeply relatable in their pursuit of independence and dignity amidst adversity.
IN early times, say the Icelandic chronicles, men from the Western Islands came to live in this country, and when they departed, left behind them crosses, bells, and other objects used in the practice... - #4
Save:"Walden" by Henry David Thoreau is a philosophical work that follows the author's simple life at Walden Pond, exploring metaphysical topics while living in a self-built cabin. Thoreau muses on life, society, and nature, offering insights on the importance of living deliberately and observing the world from a fresh perspective. The book contains a mix of autobiographical storytelling, philosophical thought patterns, and intricate descriptions of the natural surroundings, all written with a flair for poetry and vocabulary.
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massa... - #5
Save:One Man's Wilderness by Richard Proenneke is a memoir that chronicles Proenneke's journey of moving to the Twin Lakes area in Alaska to build an off-grid log cabin. Living alone in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Proenneke documents his experiences of building the cabin by hand, living off the land, and surviving in the harsh environment through his journal entries. The book provides a detailed account of Proenneke's daily life, his interactions with nature, and his reflections on living a simple and fulfilling life away from traditional society.
One Man's Wilderness is praised for its calm and peaceful narrative, focusing on Proenneke's incredible story of survival and self-sufficiency in the Alaskan wilderness. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of Proenneke's lifestyle, the beauty of the natural surroundings, and the lack of major conflicts in the narrative. The book inspires readers with Proenneke's determination, resourcefulness, and unique perspective on life, making it a compelling read for those interested in memoirs, nature, and off-grid living.
We loaded my gear into the T-craft. Not too many groceries this trip; Babe would come again soon. Seemed like a heavy load to me, and jammed in as we were, I found myself wondering whether the old bir... - #6
Save:"Ask the Dust" by John Fante is a story set in LA in 1939, following the struggles of writer Arturo Bandini as he lives hand to mouth, blows his money as soon as he receives it, and falls in love with a waitress named Camila Lopez. Their relationship is portrayed as a love-hate dynamic, filled with volatile emotions and irrational choices. As the plot unfolds, Camilla ends up in a mental institution and disappears into the desert, leaving Bandini grappling with his own shortcomings and desires.
The writing style of "Ask the Dust" is described as dark, beautifully told, and capturing the essence of 1930s Los Angeles. The novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of dive bars, cheap rooms, and the struggles of a young writer beset by love and affliction. The relationship between Bandini and Camilla is depicted as a blend of bitterness and warmth, with tragic characters and gorgeous prose creating a brief yet rewarding narrative that keeps readers engaged until the poignant ending.
One night I was sitting on the bed in my hotel room on Bunker Hill, down in the very middle of Los Angeles. It was an important night in my life, because I had to make a decision about the hotel. Eith... - #7
Save:'O Pioneers!' by Willa Cather is a novel set in Nebraska at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the lives of immigrant farmers, particularly the Swedish Bergersen family. The story follows the strong and wise Alexandra Bergson as she inherits the family farmland and navigates the challenges of managing the farm while dealing with personal relationships and family tragedies. Cather's writing style is described as simple, clear, and nostalgic, capturing the stubbornness and loneliness of the early Plains settlers.
One January day, thirty years ago, the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland, was trying not to be blown away. A mist of fine snowflakes was curling and eddying about the clus... - #8
Save:Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist is a fictional story that delves into the life of Barabbas, a notorious criminal spared by Pilate instead of Jesus. The novel explores Barabbas' spiritual struggle, his quest for faith, and the aftermath of Christ's crucifixion. Lagerkvist weaves a tale of darkness, despair, and hopelessness as Barabbas grapples with guilt, doubt, and the search for meaning in a world that has rejected Christ. Through vivid imagery and powerful insights, the author paints a poignant picture of a man caught between belief and disbelief, redemption and damnation.
The book offers a thought-provoking narrative on themes of forgiveness, faith, and the human condition. Lagerkvist's writing style is intense, sparse, and masterful, drawing readers into a world where the line between light and darkness, belief and doubt, is blurred. Barabbas' journey becomes a reflection of the eternal struggle faced by humanity in accepting the unseen, in finding solace in the midst of despair, and in seeking redemption in a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil.
Everyone knows how they hung there on the crosses, and who they were that stood gathered around him: Mary his mother and Mary Magdalene, Veronica, Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross, and Joseph of... - #9
Save:The novel 'The Bridge on the Drina' by Ivo Andrić is a rich tapestry of stories spanning over 400 years, centered around a stone bridge in the heart of the Balkans. The bridge serves as a silent witness to the lives and struggles of the people who inhabit the region, reflecting the intersecting histories of various nationalities, religions, and empires. Through a series of vignettes, the author captures the essence of Balkan history, exploring themes of cultural diversity, religious tensions, and the impact of war on civilian populations. The writing style is evocative and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of life in the region from the Ottoman era to World War I.
For the greater part of its course the river Drina flows through narrow gorges between steep mountains or through deep ravines with precipitous banks. In a few places only the river banks spread out t... - #10
Save:A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam is a deeply moving and introspective novel that follows the protagonist, Krishan, on a journey to the North of Sri Lanka for a funeral. The book delves into Krishan's introspection, his struggles with grief, alienation, and longing, as well as his attempts to come to terms with the aftermath of war. The writing style is characterized by detailed historical anecdotes, interior monologues, and the absence of dialogue, creating a rich tapestry of personal loss intertwined with the country's tragic past.
The present, we assume, is eternally before us, one of the few things in life from which we cannot be parted. It overwhelms us in the painful first moments of entry into the world, when it is still to...
