SOURCE: “Recent Literature.” Atlantic Monthly 34 (November 1874): 624-25.

In the following review, the anonymous author favorably appraises Gunnar, focusing especially on Boyesen's seemingly natural command of the English language and his portrayal of Norwegian landscapes and themes.

Amongst the works of fiction printed in the English language this year, there can hardly be any so remarkable in some aspects as the idyllic story which Mr. Boyesen tells us.¹ It is not only remarkable for being a good story, which is distinction enough, but it ought to be known to every one who takes it up as an achievement almost singular in letters. It is not a translation from the Norwegian, as one might guess, but is the English of a Norwegian, thinking and expressing himself in our tongue with a grace, simplicity, and force, and a sense of its colors and harmonies, which we should heartily praise in one...