Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun

Name: Growth of the Soil
Author: Knut Hamsun

Growth of the Soil follows a solitary man who settles in the wilderness, where he cultivates land and builds a life amidst challenges, love, and loss, ultimately seeking redemption and connection with those around him. The narrative explores themes of perseverance and the complexities of rural life as the protagonist navigates the demands of family and the land.

By Knut Hamsun · First published 1917 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Philosophical Fiction · 31 chapters · 171,839 words

First lines

The long, long road over the moors and up into the forest -- who trod it into being first of all? Man, a human being, the first that came here. There was no path before he came. Afterward, some beast or other, following the faint tracks over marsh and moorland, wearing them deeper; after these again some Lapp gained scent of the path, and took that way from field to field, looking to his reindeer. Thus was made the road through the great Almenning -- the common tracts without an owner; no-man's-land.

What this Textopian page supports

Growth of the Soil is listed on Textopian as a novel by Knut Hamsun, dated 1917 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Knut Hamsun
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Nature Writing
Length: 171,839 words
Structure: 31 chapters, 3,251 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Growth of the Soil?
How does this novel by Knut Hamsun fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores deep themes of nature, human existence, and the connection to the land, characteristic of literary fiction.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of rural life and the struggles of agrarian society.
Philosophical Fiction — The book delves into existential themes and the philosophy of life, particularly in relation to nature and personal growth.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, it reflects the social and economic conditions of the time.