Pick of the paperbacks; Wayfarers, by Knut Hamsun, translated from the Norwegian by James McFarlane. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc. $10.95.

The two heroes of this novel take to the seas and roads for different reasons. Edevart, born in an impoverished village in northern Norway, never quite finds a niche in his parochial society. He tastes romance and wealth, but hid dim-wittedness and laziness keep him from gaining lasting success.

August is a globetrotter, whose tales are in the best sea story tradition. While clever and industrious, August is hopelessly naive. He is like a child: nothing can keep his interest for very long. Wandering is his escape from boredom.

The people in this superbly written tale, who live by the crystal fiords are as cruel and dishonest as the people from the cities, whose new-found technology has begun to corru pt the ancient customs and morals of the provinces.

You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Pick of the paperbacks; Wayfarers, by Knut Hamsun, translated from the Norwegian by James McFarlane. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc. $10.95.
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1981/0608/060818.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us