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Mark Porton's Reviews > The Metamorphosis
The Metamorphosis
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I just loved this novella, no wonder it's a classic. I found this story of a young man transforming into a hideous insect disturbing, dark, emotive, sad and funny. How can such a small book pack such a punch?
To experience the whole gamut of emotions in such a short story means Kafka could obviously write. As the original is written in German there is much of this book that is difficult to translate (apparently) so I'll definitely re-read other translations.
I felt guilty laughing/sniggering at poor Gregor being chased back into his room by his 'hissing' Dad or when his Dad was pelting him with Apples. It seemed almost Monty Pythonesque. Then I'd feel so sad as his family treated him with derision. It read like a David Lynch screenplay - Eraserhead comes to mind.
How do you write a review for a classic that has been reviewed for over a century by people a lot brighter than I? Just to say - I loved it and my simple view is, it's about loneliness and the absence of acceptance, this mixed with the very real issue of others not knowing how to deal with someone with a 'condition'. I have found myself, having advanced cancer - some friends and relatives don't talk to me now, I'm sure they care, they just don't know how to. Perhaps Gregor's family experienced that.
Anyway, I loved it. Will re-ead this great little book as it is quite simply unforgettable.
4.75 stars (lost 0.25 for brevity)
To experience the whole gamut of emotions in such a short story means Kafka could obviously write. As the original is written in German there is much of this book that is difficult to translate (apparently) so I'll definitely re-read other translations.
I felt guilty laughing/sniggering at poor Gregor being chased back into his room by his 'hissing' Dad or when his Dad was pelting him with Apples. It seemed almost Monty Pythonesque. Then I'd feel so sad as his family treated him with derision. It read like a David Lynch screenplay - Eraserhead comes to mind.
How do you write a review for a classic that has been reviewed for over a century by people a lot brighter than I? Just to say - I loved it and my simple view is, it's about loneliness and the absence of acceptance, this mixed with the very real issue of others not knowing how to deal with someone with a 'condition'. I have found myself, having advanced cancer - some friends and relatives don't talk to me now, I'm sure they care, they just don't know how to. Perhaps Gregor's family experienced that.
Anyway, I loved it. Will re-ead this great little book as it is quite simply unforgettable.
4.75 stars (lost 0.25 for brevity)
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Andrew
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Dec 11, 2019 12:57PM
I'll talk to you, Mark. I looked at this on my shelf only yesterday - and now I see you loved it, I'll bump up the list. Thx.
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Definitely one to read Andrew!
I also took a guilty delight at poor Gregor's suffering for some of the story, Mark, though I really felt for him overall. A wonderful concept and an intriguing story. Excellent review!
At least I'm not alone Kevin, yes maybe it was the absurdity that was funny. But like you, overall I felt really sorry for poor Gregor. Thanks for your comments - it's good to re-read old reviews, brings back memories, and this one was brilliant
No need to feel guilty for laughing! Many of Kafka's shorter works are funny, and laughter was comment when he read them at literary salons.
Just saw your comments Cecily, yes the image of the poornlad being shooed backed into his bedroom still makes me smile, poor guy
Yes, re-reading that cment again does sound silly doesn't it Greta? Of course, he can write 😀, but he was new to me - I'll have to read another one soon!
Greta wrote: "I agree- Kafka could write :D I love Kafka and the Metamorphosis really touched me. I experience it on a frequent basis that short stories are more intense and have a more profound message than lon..."Just saw your comment Greta - yes he is wonderful, thanks for checking out my review!
