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Monday, December 7, 2015

The Castle by Franz Kafka. (1926)





November last year I read as part of my participation in German Literature Month Franz's Kafka's The Trial which I found greatly intriguing.  Over my blogging history I have read most of his major works of short fiction.  I did not complete his unfinished novel The Castle in time for German Literature  Month this year.  It was probably me but I did not really find The Castle interesting as The Trial.  The Trial was also unfinished but the plot line was complete where that of The Castle was not. 

I am not much  inclined to repeat the plot.  The main purpose of this post is just to journalize my reading experience.  Like The Trial it can be seen as a commentary on dealing with beauracrats, and above all the absurdity of modern life.  One aspect of  Kafka most of those new to his work will be surprised to discover is how funny he can be.  

The Castle has gone through several published versions. It was put together for publication by the executor of Kafka's estate Max Bohr. 

For homework help seekers, Wikepedia has a good article.

I am glad I have at last read this book. 



Mel u

3 comments:

  1. Prashant C. TrikannadDecember 7, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    Mel, I have only read Kafka's "Metamorphosis" and didn't like it as much as I thought I'd. I plan to read "The Trial" and some of his other works, mostly short stories.

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  2. Mel uDecember 8, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    Prashant C. Trikannad - The Trial is suspenseful and darkly humorous, you might also try his short work, At the Penal Colony

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  3. Mel uDecember 8, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    R T Davis, yes he can be very funny almost macabre, I think most who have not read him would not suspect that.

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