3 Review(s)

In "Look Back on Happiness," Hamsun explores the inner workings of the protagonist's mind and emotions. The story centers on Ove Rolandsen, a telegraph operator in a small Norwegian town. Rolandsen, a dreamer and an idealist, becomes infatuated with a young woman named Eli Bech. However, his feelings for Eli lead him into a series of misunderstandings, conflicts, and personal struggles.Knut Hamsun is celebrated for his psychological insight and his ability to delve into the complexities of human emotions and desires. "Look Back on Happiness" showcases Hamsun's signature style, portraying the protagonist's inner turmoil, his romantic yearnings, and the clash between his idealistic dreams and the realities of life.The novel is known for its introspective narrative, its exploration of human psychology, and its examination of themes such as unrequited love, longing, and the discrepancy between personal ideals and pragmatic existence, which are recurrent motifs in Hamsun's works.