First published in 1925, The Trial tells the story of a man arrested for an unknown crime by a remote, inaccessible authority and his struggle for control over the increasing absurdity of his life. One of Franz Kafka's best-known works, The Trial has been variously interpreted as an examination of political power, a satirical depiction of bureaucracy, and a pessimistic religious parable. Left unfinished at the time of Kafka's 1924 death, The Trial is nevertheless a trenchant depiction of the seemingly incomprehensible nature of existence and a fascinating exploration of the universal issues of justice, power, freedom, and isolation.
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"Brings up a lot of deeper questions about the role of government and laws but does so pretty indirectly. Very absurdist, could probably be argued either that it's absurdity for its own sake or to illustrate the absurdity of our systems. Not my favorite thing I've ever read but still worth it." — Bridget (4 out of 5 stars)
"Brings up a lot of deeper questions about the role of government and laws but does so pretty indirectly. Very absurdist, could probably be argued either that it's absurdity for its own sake or to illustrate the absurdity of our systems. Not my favorite thing I've ever read but still worth it."
" I'm sorry my dear Kafka but it was too predictable for me. A review in Armenian coming soon. "
" Probably the greatest existential novel (and I love my existential novels). Creepy, paranoid, merciless, and often quite funny. Like Alice in Wonderland if the Red Queen executed everyone. "
" Amazing... I wish he has finished it by himself, the end is obviously not written by him "
" Kafka doet zijn naam alle eer aan. Alhoewel het boek geestig is kan het mij spijtig genoeg niet tot het einde blijven boeien. Pagina 70 volstaat voor mij voorlopig als kennismaking. "
" Interesting philosophy and politic, but too slow and dated for me. "
" Sigh couldnt get into it.... 2 chapters and gave up. Though understood the dark humor and underlying intimidating message but i just couldn't go there with this guy....at least die fighting a lil harder than that.... "
" I know this is the legal system of the past but it reads like today. "
" A quick, breezy, interesting read. But to me it did not offer any new ideas. "
" One of the best depictions of the smothering frustrations and, ultimately, destructiveness of modern bureaucracy. And don't you just feel the free-floating guilt, ubiquitous as smog? "
" One of my favorites from way back when. Kafka was a master and the book whilst deliberately frustrating, uses allegory from religion and other places to weave a fascinating story. "
" Nothing good can come from a crime a man doesn't even know he has commited. "
" I always feel greatly distressed after reading Kafka. "
" I am not sure if I understood this novel. I am going to do some research and see if I change my opinion. "
" I was really into this for the first few chapters which for few are the highlight of the book, it is a satirical critcal look at government power and procedures and has a dream like feel to it which works well for the setting. "
" Talks about the bureaucracy/ invisible "law" that binds everyone. Didn't really understand it though. Probably deserves a good read another time. "
" When I first read it (I was 17) I lay nights awake thinking how someone could write a book this perfect. Kafka is for me some kind of untouchable God figure. "
" I recall seeing and reading many similar cases in history books and documentaries, where people were just dragged out of their homes, detained for weeks or even months when there was no evident proof to link them to any civil crimes. Detention without conviction. "
" One of my favorite books, EVER. "
" OK, I glad I went through the experience of reading this book. Now I feel like I need to attend a lecture about it. "
" I believe we read this in History in 9th grade at Taft... I remember being disturbed, in a good way. "
" Though Kafka died before finishing the book,but it is definitely a masterpiece!! "
" I like Kafka, but this book was so roundabout and frustrating that I literally got dizzy. "
Franz Kafka (1883–1924), one of the major fiction writers of the twentieth century, was born to a middle-class German-speaking Jewish family in Prague. His unique body of writing, much of which is incomplete and was mainly published posthumously, is considered by some people to be among the most influential in Western literature, inspiring such writers as Albert Camus, Rex Warner, and Samuel Beckett.
Todd McLaren, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, was involved in radio for more than twenty years in cities on both coasts, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. He left broadcasting for a full-time career in voice acting, where he has been heard on more than five thousand television and radio commercials, as well as television promos; narrations for documentaries on such networks as A&E, Discovery, and the History Channel; and films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
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