HUNGER is claimed by modernists and existentialists alike as a precursor of their own later schools, and is undisputedly a major piece of literature. Nevertheless, though I never bored of this book, the protagonist's antics were quite irritating at times, and more than once I began to hope he would actually starve. Having said that, it's the sign of a good book if it gets to you, and though not as poignant as Sartre or Auster, HUNGER is worth the read. Disturbing.