Reviews

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.

Content Warnings

lilliangrey's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

3.0

I know I would be obliterated by the the dark academia folk if I ever voiced this opinion in the town centre, but I truly did not find this book that engaging. I understand why people might, and I can appreciate it for what it is suggesting - the philosophy behind it, if you will. But still, I found myself unattached to any of the goings-on in this piece of literature, and unfortunatley no amount of memes nor video essays will change my mind. I do not know if I have a reason for not enjoying this book, maybe it was just the wrong time for me to open it, but I found it relatively boring (for lack of a better adjective). Perhaps it was the language, but I cannot be certain, and again I hate to say it but the employment of language is the key of significance to my locked-door of a brain. That said, the plot and the development of said plot is one that I can certainly see the appeal behind, and it is why my rating of this book is not in the deepest pit of hell. It is a shame, really, for I had all the hope known to man when I opened this novella, but I was unfortunatley led astray. Maybe I am dramatic and it truly was not as bad as I remember it, but I have a feeling this is one of those instances where the internets tendency to aestheticise books had lead me to a no-through road, and now I am trying to figure out whether or not I went the wrong way.

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