I Sit Alone

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Norwegian: Hundeøine
Waldemar Theodor Ager (1929)

English Translation: I Sit Alone
Translation by Charles Wharton Stork
Harper & Bros., New York (1930)

The novel follows Jørgen, a Norwegian immigrant in the United States, as he grapples with the challenges of life in a new country. Jørgen is a hardworking man who initially holds on to his Norwegian identity, but over time, he drifts into drinking and neglects his cultural roots.

The title Hundeøine, meaning "Dog Eyes", symbolizes a look of sadness, regret, and pleading—often associated with those who have lost their way. This describes Jørgen’s downward spiral as he succumbs to alcohol, which was a major issue in many immigrant communities at the time. His drinking leads to alienation from his family, fellow Norwegian immigrants, and ultimately, himself.

Throughout the novel, Ager paints a tragic and critical portrait of alcohol’s impact, not just on the individual but on the entire immigrant community. Jørgen's story reflects the broader struggle of Norwegian Americans trying to balance their old-world heritage with the pressures of American society, particularly as some fell into destructive habits.

This novel was one of Ager’s most influential works and is considered a classic of Norwegian-American immigrant literature. It reinforced his reputation as both a novelist and a moral crusader within the temperance movement. While the book is deeply tied to its time, its themes of addiction, cultural loss, and personal redemption remain relevant today.