The Metamorphosis (AmazonClassics Edition)

By: Franz Kafka, Ian C. Johnston - translator

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

One morning, traveling salesman Gregor Samsa wakes from an anxious dream to discover that he has inexplicably changed into a monstrous insect. Nonetheless, life goes on, and poor Gregor is left to deal not only with the existential questions of who or what he now is but also with more mundane concerns: his job (which he fears he’ll lose), his loved ones (whom he fears he disgusts), and the daily indignities of everyday life (which continue apace). Soon, even those who sympathize with his bizarre predicament begin to lose their patience....

A darkly comic examination of social mores, family dynamics, and the nature of identity itself, Kafka’s unsettling masterpiece has inspired a century of literary debate and interpretive theories. But its enduring power lies in the simplicity of its audacious premise, its deadpan surrealism, and its humane sensitivity.

Revised edition: Previously published as The Metamorphosis, this edition of The Metamorphosis (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

Public Domain (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Cool quick read

Classic stuff here. Always hear about it and how influential it was. I can see it. Surrealism and strangeness expressed in photographic detail of the imagination. A fun and inspiring story.

Narrator

Really enjoyed narration by Luke Daniels. Great detailed but sad story, I enjoyed it. Thanks

Confusing, interesting, thought provoking, and a little tragic

I’m pretty sure I enjoyed it. I can definitely understand the reasons behind Kafka’s legacy after listening to this one.
It amazes me that a story as odd as this can invoke real emotion and contemplation about family, and life in general. Truly exemplifies the power and depth that can be reached in writing, regardless of subject matter.

Disgustingly Disturbing

That was really a hard listen, the story didn't add much to me but it was an essential classic that I needed to listen to.

disturbing

the story is now well known. it reflects the ambivalent relation Kafka had with his father and his family.