Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Metamorphosis and Other Stories (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

This messed with my head so much I didn't even have anything to say about it at first. Really showcases the importance of compassion. This made me so sad but it speaks to some real truths in the world, from the time of writing to my time of reading - the treatment of those with disabilities or illnesses & the genuinely dystopian sentiment of waking up to life-changing circumstances and worrying about being late for work.

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kubs's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

First thing he thinks about is going to work.

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krytykesa's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Reread.

It surprised me how drastically I changed my mind about the main character thought the years. The man who I despised in school, now became the most relatable character. His first stress reaction was a desire to sleep it out (and inability to do so because he couldn’t turn on the right side, just like me); his work is an obligation and his social role is the one that is expected; he is depressed but he still capable to show more love and empathy than his family.
It’s a sad story and yet not “the small pathetic” man is the reason of it. School teacher was wrong. Absurd in this story is his family reaction, their domestic normalised cruelty.

Amazing work!

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thespycrowreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Having just finished "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, I'm compelled to share my thoughts on this intriguing literary work that captured my attention from the start. Introduced to me through a recommendation on my Pinterest feed and conveniently available in my eBook library, Kafka's tale proved to be a captivating exploration of the human psyche.
Written in a straightforward style, the novel follows the unsettling journey of Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a colossal insect. Despite the bizarre circumstances, Gregor's initial concern is for his family, setting the stage for a poignant examination of duty, sacrifice, and the human condition.
Kafka's narrative unfolds through Gregor's perspective, inviting readers to empathize with his plight as he grapples with his newfound existence. Through Gregor's eyes, we witness his struggles to maintain his humanity amidst his family's rejection and the physical challenges of his metamorphosis. One of the novel's most compelling aspects is Kafka's masterful characterization of Gregor, whose unwavering devotion to his family contrasts sharply with their gradual abandonment of him. This theme of familial obligation resonates deeply throughout the story, underscoring the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.
However, while Kafka's narrative prowess is undeniable, the novel leaves several questions unanswered, most notably the origin of Gregor's transformation and the lack of a detailed description of his insect form. These unresolved elements may leave some readers craving greater clarity and depth. Despite these shortcomings, "The Metamorphosis" remains a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Its existential themes and rich symbolism offer readers a compelling glimpse into the human experience, making it a worthy addition to any literary repertoire.

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