Book Review : Metamorphosis
Book Name: Metamorphosis
Author: Franz Kafka
Publisher: Fingerprint (Classics)
Genre: Existentialist & Absurdist Literature
Format: Paperback
Print length: 78 pages
Rating:5/5
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a novella with a unique story of a human who transforms into a horrible vermin whose life resembles that of how that human had been living all these years.
Book Blurb On Amazon
'One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.' Thus begins The Metamorphosis, cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the twentieth century. A story of Gregor Samsa, a travelling salesman, who wakes up one day to discover that he has metamorphosed into a bug, The Metamorphosis is a book that concerns itself with the themes of alienation, disillusionment and existentialism. As Samsa struggles to reconcile his humanity with his transformation, Kafka, very deftly, weaves his readers into a web that deals with the absurdity of existence, the alienating experience of modern life and the cruelty and incomprehensibility of authoritarian power, leaving them at once stunned and impressed.
Review
Metamorphosis is a bizarre and unnerving masterpiece that introduces readers to the protagonist's transformation into horrible vermin. It explores the themes of absurdity, alienation, isolation, and fragility of human life.
The plot opens with a struggling protagonist depicting his vulnerability and fear of lost identity. The storyline offers thought-provoking concepts to the readers, introducing them to the reality of human life. Often, to please everyone, humans miss out on their essentials. In this book, readers will realize that chasing something for another's sake is unnecessary until that aligns with themselves.
The central character in the story spent all his years caring for his family, and his sudden transformation separated him from his family because he became a reason for disgust and a burden on them. The character sketch in the novella is straightforward, with few faces and robust features.
Readers will notice a tense environment throughout the story. However, the author's writing style will not let them lose their grip on the book in unfolding what will happen to the transformed being. Would it transform again into a human? Would his family accept him?
The author answers all the questions in the book with his robust imagery of humans with insects. Readers, while reading the book, will understand why the author chose insects out of all the beings in the environment. Some readers may find it disturbing due to the complex themes explored. It is because today's readers can resonate with the complex themes of absurdity, societal pressure, alienation, and isolation in this book, feeling impotent about their lives. Also, this book may have a reverse impact on the ones who will take it positively and choose to change their lives according to them and not the society. It is the beauty of this book.
Though the novella is short, readers may take time to read and interpret it.The story has an open-ending so it gives space to the readers to conclude as per their experience of reading it.
It is a highly recommended book due to its rewarding and unforgettable experience. The story will last longer with the readers after they finish the book. For someone who enjoys modern literature, this book makes a good choice. It has been praised for over a century.
Buy it from Amazon - Metamorphosis
Ugh this book. It was an uncomfortable read for me, but some truths are uncomfortable indeed! Kafka at his best!
ReplyDeleteI can understand how you might have felt while reading this book, but yes as you mentioned truths are bitter though. We all are struglling in our lives for some or other things.
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