Pelle the Conqueror (novel)
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 | |
| Author | Martin Andersen Nexø |
|---|---|
| Original title | Pelle Erobreren |
| Language | Danish |
| Published | 1906–1910 |
| Publication place | Denmark |
Pelle the Conqueror (Danish: Pelle Erobreren) is a Danish novel written by Martin Andersen Nexø. The book was published in four volumes, beginning with Boyhood in 1906, followed by Apprenticeship in 1907 and The Great Struggle in 1909 and concluding with Daybreak in 1910.[1]
The novel follows the character Pelle Karlsson, who immigrates to Denmark from Sweden in 1877 at age eight. At 18, he moves from Bornholm to Copenhagen, and becomes a leader in the labour movement in Denmark, motivated by poor working conditions.
Nexø based the novel on many of the experiences in his own life.[1] While written as a biography of a fictional character, Pelle the Conqueror reports on widespread economic and historic social matters.[2] The format is of a Bildungsroman.[3]
The novel was translated into English by Jesse Muir and Bernard Miall in 1913–1916. Despite this, it is not a popular novel in the English-speaking world.[1] Pelle the Conqueror has been compared to Les Misérables.[4]
