From canon of German-language literature to ‘cancelled’ due to pornography addiction, find out more about the author who continues to inspire hatred and passion among different generations
Franz Kafka is best known for his masterpiece, The Metamorphosis, but the writer goes beyond the obvious. His literature is shrouded in mystery, existential questions and a pinch of surrealism. The novels present a unique construction of characters who find themselves awakened from ordinary life to an epiphany, like K – would that be short for himself? – or the insect-man Gregor Samsa.
Epistolary works help to reveal other mysteries – these, of the author’s intimate life, which, if not complete his fictional work, at least help to satisfy the reader’s curiosity about his feelings and his unorthodox life, with the right to pornography addiction and visits to brothels.
For these reasons, Kafka was recently “cancelled” on the Web. But, as the world of celebrities teaches, cancellation can arouse curiosity towards the work of the canceled person: intelligent people are those who know how to make the most of the moment. Since Kafka died exactly 100 years ago, the Estadao He decided to give a little push and shed light on the literature of the absurd that still consecrates his work today.
Discover five books that help you delve deeper into Kafkan literature, with a unique and pulsating rhythm.
1. The Metamorphosis
The book that projected the Czech author into the canon, The Metamorphosisit was published in 1915 AND tells the story of Gregor Samsa, an ordinary worker, devoted to his family, whose life is transformed after he wakes up and realizes that he has transformed into… a cockroach. A narrative that involves surrealism and existential dilemmas, making the reader wonder, through the pages, if the worst nightmare would be able to become reality.
Company of LettersR$47.90.
two. Letter to the Father
Kafka, in addition to his sexual habits coming to light, also had a complicated relationship with his father, which involved emotional distance, disappointments and unresolved problems between them. This epistolary novel, which moves between pain and an attempt at reconciliation, was written when the author was 36 years old and mixes experiences of childhood suffering that are reflected in the man Kakfa would become. So don’t be fooled by the title: avoid choosing it as a gift for Father’s Day.
Company of LettersR$47.90.
3. The process
Not much worse than waking up and realizing you’ve become an insect is waking up and realizing you’ve been transformed. And worse: without knowing why. This is the motto of Josef K.’s story. He is informed by two agents that he can serve his sentence in freedom, as long as he appears several times to testify and surrenders to the constraints of institutional bureaucracy, which breaks with daily life. he was used to it.
In his relentless quest to find the reasons for what he might have done wrong, the protagonist resorts to all legal fields to understand what happened. Behind the plot you can see the criticism of a totalitarian state.
Company of LettersR$47.90.
4. The castle
In this novel, the protagonist K – also from The process – receives the mission to work in a castle. The big problem is that she never gets in. Failure to accomplish your mission and reach your destination leads to a recurring nightmare, just like in The Metamorphosis -, as well as being dotted with the characters’ existential monologues. As well as getting a glimpse of K and the growth of her obsession, we also get Frieda, a shop assistant who reawakens her passions. One of Kafka’s most striking works, the book was considered the Faust (Goethe’s masterpiece) of the 20th century.
Company of LettersR$47.90.
5. Letters to Milena
Although he was never married, Kafka also cultivated his passions, including mutual literary admiration. This book is on the list to satisfy the curiosities that readers might have about the author’s intimacy, so there is nothing better than reading his diaries and letters.
In Letters to Milena, we delve into the relationship that Kafka develops with Milena Jesenská, a young writer who also lives in Vienna and asks to translate the author’s books. The distance imposed between the two, which goes beyond geographical limits – Milena was married – is fuel for a correspondence with profound reflections and declarations. In them we see Kafka’s desire to find someone who completes him. Milena was also a source of inspiration for the author’s production: it is hypothesized that the character Frieda, from The castleit would have been written under the influence of Milena in her life.
The edition is on pre-sale on Editor of Camelotfor R$29.90.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
