Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Franz Kafka, born on this day in 1883.

“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”

Everyone knows about Franz Kafka’s books, but it’s surprising how many people have never actually read the work. If you’re Kafka-curious, here are some suggestions on taking the plunge:

  • Start with “The Metamorphosis”: When the uninitiated consider Kafka, this is the book that usually comes to mind. “The Metamorphosis” is a good choice for the adventurous reader. It explores themes of alienation and the absurdity of human existence and encapsulates Kafka’s unique style and his ability to capture complex emotions.
  • Face “The Trial”: This surreal and haunting novel follows Josef K. as he faces an unknown crime and navigates a soul crushing bureaucracy and legal system. It explores themes of isolation, detachment, disenfranchisement, guilt, powerlessness, and the struggle against inhumane authority.
  • Discover “The Castle”: To explore Kafka’s fear of soulless bureaucracy and the impotence of the individual against government.
This entry was posted in Books, Europe, Uncategorized, Writing and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.