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lah123's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kaasmetgaatjes's review
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maryaliceelange's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
whatbritreads's review against another edition
2.0
Listen, I only read this chunky volume because it’s been sitting on my shelf staring at me for over three years. I had higher expectations and was not expecting to be so CONFUSED. I don’t have a big enough brain for this and I refuse to Google it so.. make of these mini reviews what you will.
PS - I have no idea what genres these short stories fall into but they're bizarre so?
The Trial – 2*
This was just confusing, I thought I understood what was going on and then I just didn’t again. I think that’s the point but I didn’t like it. It was boring and too long and I didn’t really care. The true meaning of this was definitely lost on me, the writing/translation was good though.
The Castle – 1*
I thought The Trial was too long, confusing and boring – imagine my pain pushing myself through this one. It felt exactly the same but different. Couldn’t tell you a thing about this it was so rambly and jumpy. Again, no idea what this meant.
Metamorphosis – 4*
FINALLY a good time after 455 pages of nonsense. Much easier to follow, made me laugh due to how bizarre it is. Had a good time, it was easy to read and well written. Quick and to the point, made me uneasy but in a good way. Still gonna be honest though – no idea what Kafka is going for in terms of meaning of metaphor. But my emotions were positive.
In the Penal Colony – 3*
This was disturbing and I’m not sure in which was I mean that. Thankfully though it was really short. I understood it well enough, but I don’t know if I understood it. Recurring theme here.
The Judgment – 2*
???????????????????????
Letter to my Father – 4*
This I could’ve read an entire book of, it was way more open and honest. I guess because it wasn’t really a piece of fiction but a personal one. I really enjoyed it, it was very tender. It discussed vulnerability, power, double standards etc from an authority figure that I enjoyed reading about. Was quite sad, but in a nice way.
(Also included several very short pieces of writing that I didn’t rate or have much of an opinion on.)
So, that was my first and last experience of Franz Kafka. If you ask me this time next week about my opinion on any of these pieces I’ll tell you quite frankly I don’t remember a thing other than giant insects and being a bad father. It was a weird one, but at least it no longer burdens my TBR.
PS - I have no idea what genres these short stories fall into but they're bizarre so?
The Trial – 2*
This was just confusing, I thought I understood what was going on and then I just didn’t again. I think that’s the point but I didn’t like it. It was boring and too long and I didn’t really care. The true meaning of this was definitely lost on me, the writing/translation was good though.
The Castle – 1*
I thought The Trial was too long, confusing and boring – imagine my pain pushing myself through this one. It felt exactly the same but different. Couldn’t tell you a thing about this it was so rambly and jumpy. Again, no idea what this meant.
Metamorphosis – 4*
FINALLY a good time after 455 pages of nonsense. Much easier to follow, made me laugh due to how bizarre it is. Had a good time, it was easy to read and well written. Quick and to the point, made me uneasy but in a good way. Still gonna be honest though – no idea what Kafka is going for in terms of meaning of metaphor. But my emotions were positive.
In the Penal Colony – 3*
This was disturbing and I’m not sure in which was I mean that. Thankfully though it was really short. I understood it well enough, but I don’t know if I understood it. Recurring theme here.
The Judgment – 2*
???????????????????????
Letter to my Father – 4*
This I could’ve read an entire book of, it was way more open and honest. I guess because it wasn’t really a piece of fiction but a personal one. I really enjoyed it, it was very tender. It discussed vulnerability, power, double standards etc from an authority figure that I enjoyed reading about. Was quite sad, but in a nice way.
(Also included several very short pieces of writing that I didn’t rate or have much of an opinion on.)
So, that was my first and last experience of Franz Kafka. If you ask me this time next week about my opinion on any of these pieces I’ll tell you quite frankly I don’t remember a thing other than giant insects and being a bad father. It was a weird one, but at least it no longer burdens my TBR.
elmira's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ashkan_2200's review against another edition
4.0
Dark, gloomy and so true in many instances. I truly enjoyed reading it.
When you read the letter Kafka wrote his father, other stories fall into place.
When you read the letter Kafka wrote his father, other stories fall into place.