The Metamorphosis

A New Translation by Susan Bernofsky

By: Franz Kafka, Susan Bernofsky - translator

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Victor Bevine, Christa Lewis

Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

"This fine version, with David Cronenberg's inspired introduction and the new translator's beguiling afterword, is, I suspect, the most disturbing though the most comforting of all so far; others will follow, but don't hesitate: this is the transforming text for you." (Richard Howard)

Franz Kafka's 1915 novella of unexplained horror and nightmarish transformation became a worldwide classic and remains a century later one of the most widely read works of fiction in the world. It is the story of traveling salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect. This hugely influential work inspired George Orwell, Albert Camus, Jorge Louis Borges, and Ray Bradbury, while continuing to unsettle millions of readers.

In her new translation of Kafka's masterpiece, Susan Bernofsky strives to capture both the humor and the humanity in this macabre tale, underscoring the ways in which Gregor Samsa's grotesque metamorphosis is just the physical manifestation of his longstanding spiritual impoverishment.

©2014 Susan Bernofsky. Introduction 2014 David Cronenberg. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

My 1st IPhone Audiobook

I ran across Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis on ITunes and began listening to it However it was only about half of the book so i searched for an Audiobook provider on the Internet found this site, joined, and the reward was the full reading of the book which I wholly enjoyed. Excellent production!

Disappointed but entertained

For some reason I had never read metamorphosis. No clue why but I had it on my list to do. So when it showed up as a special deal I got the audio. Having heard about the story for years, I guess it’s almost impossible for it to hold up to its reputation. I did enjoy the story but I was annoyed with the family’s reactions. I’m fully cognizant that as a reader in 2022, I’m judging a story written for an audience 100 years ago. It’s still a worthwhile story and holds the reader’s attention, but I’m still amazed at its reputation in classical literature.

Thought Provoking Metaphor

Well, the introduction was not terribly engaging, the story itself is riveting and the follow up by the translator added depths and complexity to this English version. The story itself contains many fascinating reflections on the human condition and I’m sure there are many reviews that have discussed this better than I can do here.

Engaging and poignant! ..A must for workaholics.

Narration was performed beautifully. It was easy to drift off and allow the novella to spur visuals via imagination.

Love!

After reading the Metamorphosis it made me want to read more Kafka books! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

best of kafka

kafka at its best a joy to listen to recommended to anyone on a long ride or on a dreary winters morning

Good book and performance

I really enjoyed the book and the performance by the narrator. I recommend this book.

Less than exciting

An anti-climatic story upon first reflection. Maybe the symbolism will grow on me in time. The narrator did a very good job and was easy to follow.

A wonderful experience.

The narration is wonderful. He didn't detract but, rather, he accompanied the tone of the author, I believe.
As for the story, personally I enjoyed The Stranger more than this experience. The artistry of Kaka's syntax made for an enjoyable read. But the former book had me raptured by the end. Maybe with some more growth in my part will make for a better experience the second time around.
My time spent was well worth it. This is the only translation I have read.

Great Book

Glad I finally got to read it! Franz Kafka is a phenomenal artist. I would suggest to read this asap.