The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka - 4 stars (Listopia)

[Ellen]

Gregor, a harried traveling salesman, has taken on the responsibility of sole provider for his aging parents and younger sister. He is happy to take care of his family but has become over-worked and endlessly fatigued. Waking up one morning he finds that he has become a large insect. What has caused this metamorphosis is never explained. His family is understandably repulsed by the formerly benign Gregor. Although his sister has been brave enough to bring food to her brother's bedroom, Gregor feels the isolation and sees the looks of horror on his family's faces. Eventually Gregor realizes that his family would be happier without him.

I liked this much more than I thought I would but I am not sure I quite understand it. To me it seems like Gregor did not literally become an insect but instead suffered some sort of mental breakdown that alienated him from his family. I did enjoy the mental images evoked by this novella; quite creepy.

[Cynda]

I plan to read thks novella this year in fulfillment of a personal classics challenge. It will fulfilll my banned books slot. I am looking forward to being creeped out.
Ellen, if you liked being creeped out, you might like King Pest by Edgar Allan Poe. A part of London was closed off during the Plague, the people left to die. What if some people lived in mutated forms, oooh oooh.
I am going to have re-read that story 🐴

[Jason]

I am intrigued by this only for the deeper meaning. The story seems......difficult for me.

[Ellen]

Cynda wrote: "I plan to read thks novella this year in fulfillment of a personal classics challenge. It will fulfilll my banned books slot. I am looking forward to being creeped out.
Ellen, if you liked being cr..."
I do appreciate a good creepy story and am a fan of Poe. I don't recall reading "King Pest" but I will certainly look for it. Thanks!

[Karin]

Creepy--this is why I may end up passing on this. I am not into creepy fiction.

Thanks for the review!

[kris]

This reminded me to add it to my TBR. I think that whenever I do read it I might have to do some additional research after I read it to fully grasp what Kafka was trying to get across with this interesting premise.

[KateNZ]

So glad you liked it! It’s a fascinating book and a favourite of mine - the ultimate ‘what if’ story with a surreal twist. How would you cope; would you still think like a human or act in a way that fits your form; how would people behave towards you?

It’s not creepy in the usual way (I don’t generally do creepy either) - it’s just bizarre. If it’s any comfort, I don’t think there’s meant to be a single ‘true’ or ‘best’ meaning to it - you can read in a range of interpretations and approach it from different angles. It’s a little masterpiece :)

“The Trial” is fabulous too - and an unsettling parable for how information works in our modern times ...