13 reviews for Metamorphosis Paperback by Franz Kafka, David Wyllie – 1 January 2014

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Rahul Chatterjee – September 16, 2023

   After reading the book over 11 times and doing a going through a lots of philosophies I have finally decided time write a review for the most famous Kafkaesque..So here it goes. Please pardon me with the long analysis, but I couldn’t define it in any less words.”Metamorphosis” is a novella written by Franz Kafka, published in 1915. It’s a complex and enigmatic work that has been the subject of extensive literary analysis and philosophical interpretation. Here’s a comprehensive analysis and philosophy of the book:Absurdity of existence :Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” delves into the absurdity of human existence. The protagonist, Gregor Samsa, wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect. This sudden and inexplicable change highlights the unpredictability and irrationality of life. It’s a metaphor for how our lives can take unexpected and absurd turns, leading us to question the meaning and purpose of our existence.Alienation and Isolation:Gregor’s transformation into an insect isolates him from society and his family. This alienation mirrors Kafka’s own feelings of detachment from the world. The novella explores how modern life can make individuals feel disconnected from others and themselves, leading to profound loneliness and despair.The Burden of Responsibility:Gregor’s sense of duty and responsibility towards his family keeps him in a state of subjugation. He continues to work as a traveling salesman to support his family’s needs even in his insect form. This theme highlights the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism, where individuals are reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of society.The Absurdity of Bureaucracy:Kafkaesque elements are prevalent throughout the novella, reflecting Kafka’s own experiences with bureaucracy. The family’s interactions with clerks, doctors, and supervisors illustrate the senselessness and frustration that can arise from dealing with bureaucratic institutions. This reflects a broader critique of modern society’s dehumanizing and bewildering structures.The Family Dynamic:Gregor’s transformation strains his family’s relationships. His family initially relies on him for financial support, but as he becomes a burden, their attitudes change. This dynamic explores themes of dependence, guilt, and the fragile nature of familial bonds.The Quest for Identity:Gregor’s transformation forces him to reevaluate his identity. He grapples with his new physical form and the rejection he faces from his family. This prompts a deeper exploration of the fluidity and instability of human identity, raising questions about the nature of self and how society defines us.Suffering and Redemption:Gregor’s life, both before and after his transformation, is marked by suffering. His ultimate demise can be seen as a form of release from his burdens, suggesting a theme of redemption through suffering. This idea aligns with existentialist and religious interpretations of suffering as a path to self-discovery and transcendence.In conclusion, “Metamorphosis” is a work rich in philosophical themes and literary symbolism. It offers a poignant commentary on the human condition, the absurdity of existence, and the alienating forces of modern society. Kafka’s exploration of identity, isolation, and bureaucracy continues to resonate with readers and serves as a timeless reflection on the complexities of being human.

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Snehil – March 30, 2024

   ‘The metamorphosis’ by franz kafka concised within 60pages passed in offering significant insights and realisations.In this book, there’s this travelling salesman who woke up one day being transformed into a giant insect which serves as a metaphor for the alienation and isolation individuals may experience in society. This metamorphosis lead Kafka to explore the complexities of human existence, the impact of societal expectations, and the struggle for self-identity.I appreciate the author’s idea of showcasing  emotional experiences a human undergoes through physical representation.The book as such have no plot in it, instead it focuses more on internal journey of main character and While I enjoyed the writing style, I found the context to be somewhat repetitive. Still, i highly recommend this short read of less then 100 pages to every reader.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Barsha Dash – March 30, 2024

   First I was confused of his transformation but then I realised. He was sad and happy at the same time. He actually understands them that’s why he went back to his room in his last day at his house.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Tanvi D. – March 14, 2024

   This is a good read. It came in good conditions. The pages are thinner and the printing is a bit light in colour but still readable. Totally recommend.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Bhaskar Baruah – March 26, 2024

   Must read..small book. Don’t think about the quality of material

6. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Srikanth – April 4, 2024

   The reviews said a lot positive about the work, but didn’t find it up to that level

7. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Priyanka Dwivedi – March 9, 2024

   The cover of the book is way too shiny and glossy. The book is small in length and breadth.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Atharv – March 5, 2024

   Blew my mind 🤯 It portrays how easily people can become a burden and how your own family forgets your existence and absurdity is peak

9. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   May Ortiz – November 23, 2023

   Buena ediciónBuena edición, sin tantas faltas de ortografía.

10. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Thomas B. Lanigan – November 10, 2023

    great, sad, read it.Simple, easy to read, and a very emotionally evocative tale of rejection and acceptance of the unnatural. Gregor couldn’t fit in to the concept of a human family, he was the black sheep, and lost bread-winner, and they all adapted.

11. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    bro – January 9, 2024

    came in good conditionLooking forward to reading it

12. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    ND – September 18, 2023

    A Timeless Classic That Left Me MesmerizedI recently delved into Franz Kafka’s masterpiece, “The Metamorphosis,” and I was utterly captivated from start to finish. This novella is an absolute gem, deserving of every single one of its five stars.Kafka’s storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. He weaves a tale that is both profoundly thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. As we follow the bizarre transformation of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, into an insect, Kafka masterfully explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the absurdity of human existence.What struck me the most was Kafka’s ability to make us empathize with Gregor’s plight, despite his grotesque transformation. The way he depicts Gregor’s internal struggle and the reactions of his family and society is both tragic and darkly comical.The prose in this edition, beautifully translated into English, maintains the essence of Kafka’s original work. The writing is elegant, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in this surreal world. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Kafka’s words that this novella continues to resonate with readers across generations.In summary, “The Metamorphosis” is a literary masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Its exploration of the human condition, coupled with Kafka’s unparalleled storytelling, makes it a must-read for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking literature. I highly recommend this edition, and I can’t wait to explore more of Kafka’s works.

13. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Anon Reviewer – August 17, 2023

    Large PrintJ’ignorais au moment de la commande qu’il s’agissait d’un Large Print. Très bonne surprise puisque j’aime les grandes ecritures bien lisible.Le contenu du livre en lui même vous jugerez vous même.Concernant la traduction elle semble avoir été corrigé contrairement à ce que j’ai lu dans les commentaires. Le mien à la bonne traduction.Il est super léger 72 pages (large feuilles) pas de préfaces ni introduction.Simple. Minimaliste et en Anglais.