Metamorphosis

This book is an abrupt short story that is engaging from start to finish. The story is surreal yet the main character Gregor is completely relatable. The story starts out as funny, but grows sadder and sadder until the ending, which admittedly is strange enough to be the ending of a Sundance film. Honestly, if this book had come out a few years later it could've been an artistic surrealist cartoon. This is one of those speculative frictions that doesn't actually explain why something is happening, only that it is. Franz Kafka explains how turning into a roach would affect Gregor in a way that is understandable, sympathetic, yet well researched. It feels like the story is an allegory for something, yet is so dedicated to its premise that it's difficult to say what the allegory is. Overall, I would recommend this story for those that like the modern abrupt method of storytelling, who like strangeness, and who like to cry. Seriously, this one is depressing despite it's moments of levity.

You could see this as an allegory for disability, really. It can strike suddenly and without warning, only to entirely and irrevocably alter your entire life and the lives of those around you. From being the main support to the one needing to be supported, the transition can come in a flash. Gregor was mistreated and eventually hated by his family who he had loved and provided for for years. They spared few thoughts for his own health and well being beyond the barest minimum. Rather than putting in the effort to even try to communicate with him, they assumed him nonhuman and incapable of language. Gregor however, was forced to experience his family's hardship in ultra detail, privy to many conversations he was allowed to hear and many that he wasn't meant to. At the same time his quality of life sharply declined, he had to overhear his family wishing he would go away. So he did. Alone, injured, weak, and with no one left in the world who loved him truly, Gregor died. He was unceremoniously gawked at and discarded, and his family breathed a sigh of relief then got on with their lives. This story is a tragedy. A little rambly at times, it's a painfully vivid metaphor. Well worth the brief read.

A lot of improper pronouns. She/he are all mix up. Happens throughout the book. For example, He is used when referring to her sister and when talking about Gregor she is used. Don't know if its just my copy or there's a major typo throughout this interpretation/adaptation.

This is a well-translated, very portable version of a truly extraordinary book. If you're looking for the most affordable version of The Metamorphosis, this is the best fit I've found! It's clear and engaging, and has slightly simpler vocabulary than many. This means it would be great for a classroom setting or as a gift for a younger reader, a current English learner, or anyone who doesn't enjoy being sent to the dictionary when they're trying to enjoy a book. The story itself is fresh as ever--while this isn't personally my favorite of Kafka's work, I love the absurdism and the economy of language that he employs within it! I was very pleased with the binding quality as well, and there are several amusing graphics inside the book that made it just that bit more fun to read. The biggest selling point for me personally was the size-- I'm a pack rat, so it is often difficult to find books that will fit wherever I need them to. This has made a wonderful addition to my commute this week, for the price of a Starbucks order or a single decent sock. You can't go wrong!

This was $0.15 on Amazon. I listened 🎶 to this as part of the Classic Tales of Horror - 500+ Stories. It was very interesting with well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to the conclusion. I would highly recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of fantasy horror novels. 2023 😀👒☺🏡

A must read!!!! This version of the book had no misprints, came in excellent condition, and was comfortable to read.

Kafka's Metamorphosis is a book that appears on many should-read lists, but -as an academic in the humanities- I managed to spend the best part of a decade without reading it. I'm really glad I finally did. Pragmatically: it's a very short book, a very accessible story, with very clear prose. Personally: I found this story to be both moving and uncomfortable in equal parts. It made me excited about shorter stories again, and I would be interested in reading more surrealism and/or Kafka due to the completely left-field premise of Metamorphosis. Don't give this to your children to read -- it could induce quite severe nightmares! Do read this, even if you're an arachnophobe -- it's a completely alternative perspective of life as a creepy crawly (and there are no actual spiders in the story). A wonderful metaphor about identity and family politics. A fantastic read.

Blessedly, this is a short read. The story juxtaposes one fantastic event--the protagonist changing overnight into a beetle from a traveling salesman supporting his parents and sister--against a backdrop of realism. The protagonist spends the remainder of his life in the family's apartment, almost entirely in his bedroom--spoiler alert--eventually starving himself to death, to the ultimate relief of his family, whose members have become self-sufficient, no longer dependent on his income and repelled by his appearance. Two matters--at least--exceeded my willing suspension of disbelief: the metamorphosis itself was unexplained, as was the family's recognition of the beetle as indeed their family member. Why did he change? Why did the family not conclude that the protagonist was a giant insect that had eaten its family member? The book is short and contains some details about everyday life (the strength of historical fiction by the way), but other writers cover that ground as well or better. The story is simple, as is its narration, and it is hard to see its merit from a modern perspective. Perhaps the relation of interior thought in a novel was innovative at that time. Or perhaps this particular translation stripped down eloquent German into simple English. As a novel, I think this work can best be appreciated from a historical perspective. Otherwise, it can be appreciated for philosophical and psychological observations. Why read it? It is often mentioned in critical writing, and doesn't take long to read.

Without spoiling, I consider this a beautiful book.

Perturbador, mas um clássico. Vale muito a pena.

good book, good condition

After reading the book over 11 times and doing a going through a lots of philosophies I have finally decided time write a review for the most famous Kafkaesque.. So here it goes. Please pardon me with the long analysis, but I couldn’t define it in any less words. "Metamorphosis" is a novella written by Franz Kafka, published in 1915. It's a complex and enigmatic work that has been the subject of extensive literary analysis and philosophical interpretation. Here's a comprehensive analysis and philosophy of the book: Absurdity of existence : Kafka's "Metamorphosis" delves into the absurdity of human existence. The protagonist, Gregor Samsa, wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect. This sudden and inexplicable change highlights the unpredictability and irrationality of life. It's a metaphor for how our lives can take unexpected and absurd turns, leading us to question the meaning and purpose of our existence. Alienation and Isolation: Gregor's transformation into an insect isolates him from society and his family. This alienation mirrors Kafka's own feelings of detachment from the world. The novella explores how modern life can make individuals feel disconnected from others and themselves, leading to profound loneliness and despair. The Burden of Responsibility: Gregor's sense of duty and responsibility towards his family keeps him in a state of subjugation. He continues to work as a traveling salesman to support his family's needs even in his insect form. This theme highlights the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism, where individuals are reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of society. The Absurdity of Bureaucracy: Kafkaesque elements are prevalent throughout the novella, reflecting Kafka's own experiences with bureaucracy. The family's interactions with clerks, doctors, and supervisors illustrate the senselessness and frustration that can arise from dealing with bureaucratic institutions. This reflects a broader critique of modern society's dehumanizing and bewildering structures. The Family Dynamic: Gregor's transformation strains his family's relationships. His family initially relies on him for financial support, but as he becomes a burden, their attitudes change. This dynamic explores themes of dependence, guilt, and the fragile nature of familial bonds. The Quest for Identity: Gregor's transformation forces him to reevaluate his identity. He grapples with his new physical form and the rejection he faces from his family. This prompts a deeper exploration of the fluidity and instability of human identity, raising questions about the nature of self and how society defines us. Suffering and Redemption: Gregor's life, both before and after his transformation, is marked by suffering. His ultimate demise can be seen as a form of release from his burdens, suggesting a theme of redemption through suffering. This idea aligns with existentialist and religious interpretations of suffering as a path to self-discovery and transcendence. In conclusion, "Metamorphosis" is a work rich in philosophical themes and literary symbolism. It offers a poignant commentary on the human condition, the absurdity of existence, and the alienating forces of modern society. Kafka's exploration of identity, isolation, and bureaucracy continues to resonate with readers and serves as a timeless reflection on the complexities of being human.

I recently delved into Franz Kafka's masterpiece, "The Metamorphosis," and I was utterly captivated from start to finish. This novella is an absolute gem, deserving of every single one of its five stars. Kafka's storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. He weaves a tale that is both profoundly thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. As we follow the bizarre transformation of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, into an insect, Kafka masterfully explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the absurdity of human existence. What struck me the most was Kafka's ability to make us empathize with Gregor's plight, despite his grotesque transformation. The way he depicts Gregor's internal struggle and the reactions of his family and society is both tragic and darkly comical. The prose in this edition, beautifully translated into English, maintains the essence of Kafka's original work. The writing is elegant, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in this surreal world. It's a testament to the enduring power of Kafka's words that this novella continues to resonate with readers across generations. In summary, "The Metamorphosis" is a literary masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Its exploration of the human condition, coupled with Kafka's unparalleled storytelling, makes it a must-read for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking literature. I highly recommend this edition, and I can't wait to explore more of Kafka's works.