Book of the Day/ The Castle by Franz Kafka -short review


Quote of the day: 
Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. -Mary Oliver


The Castle is a classic by Franz Kafka. I must admit that this is only the second book by the Prague born author, and German language writer of short stories, novels and the like- that I have read. Often hailed as one of the most important authors of the twentieth century, Kafka has mass appeal and his works gained much more fame after his death. The Castle is one of his most famous writings.


image: Amazon

Its an obscure and narrative tale about a land surveyor who believes he's been contracted to be a land survey in a town that is filled with varying characters, and a castle where the town seems to be governed from. There are high ranking officials, administrators and all sorts of bureaucracy and from the moment the land surveyor, known as 'K', arrives in the village, the events that play is a constant struggle for acceptance from such elusive powers who run the castle, leaving him with barely no contact with the department who hired him .

He searches for the reason for his non acceptance, and that forms the basis for the book. He is not accepted and yet cannot return to where he has come from. It is a long read, and if you enjoy Kafka's writing you will find 'The Castle', a worthy companion in times of solitude.

So what book(s) are you currently reading? Happy July!


Peace. Love. Light* 



Current Listen: U2 -With or Without You



Post a Comment

27 Comments

  1. Really interesting post...thx for sharing! xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nothing much changes. Think Junker's EU.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kafka is always a great read. Valerie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Know very well about Kafka, and am glad that U discovered him, friend ... Love, cat. PS: I know U and I lost each other some time ago, and U never comment any more, maybe because I am out of your league or sumthing, o great poet ... anyway, that's okay ... just saying ... hope U r really well, Mr. G ... Love, cat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... "Mr. B" I meant 2 say ... sorry ... smiles ... miles of smiles ... Love, cat.

      Delete
  5. Not familiar with this one, sounds interesting, good Sir...
    A great weekend to you and yours... and Hello from Marshville...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Steppenwolf spoke to the young me

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've not read any of Kafka, but this sounds interesting, if a bit weird. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of his stuff was about "social-alienation" and was a "bit weird"... a fun read.

      Delete
  8. I'm intrigued with the plot.
    Currently reading Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I haven't read "The Castle" but have read "The Trial" twice along with his short stories. I think he captures the way many experience the modern world.

    Currently I'm reading Christopher Hill's memoir, "Outposts: Life on the Frontlines of American Diplomacy"

    ReplyDelete
  10. That sounds like an interesting read. Happy July my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  11. amazing review, shld give it a go

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've not read any Kafka, but I do love Mary Oliver. Nice quote of hers.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Currently reading The Lake House by Kate Morton. Lots of twists and turns and an intriguing story.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've not read anything by Kafka, so I was intrigued to read your review ...
    Thank you

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  15. Finishing up True To Form by Elizabeth Berg and also reading The Crow Eaters by Bapsi Sidhwa

    Much love...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Finishing up True To Form by Elizabeth Berg and also reading The Crow Eaters by Bapsi Sidhwa

    Much love...

    ReplyDelete
  17. No idea about this . Yet to look into it . Anyhow good to know . Take care .

    ReplyDelete
  18. Interesting book, you are reading...I will look it up.

    I am currently not reading any book because of Ramadan...will start back next week.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Currently reading Britt-Marie was Here by Frederick Backman. I thoroughly enjoyed a previous book, A Man Called Ove, and hope that this one is as enjoyable. I am also reading 9th Judgement, a Women's Murder Club story by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.

    ReplyDelete
  20. This books sounds like an interesting journey. It might be a good winter read as in the summer I enjoy lighter stories. Oh, and a great pick on the song. That one always brings tears to my eyes.

    Peace, Love and of course light...

    ReplyDelete
  21. I haven't read anything by him, but it sounds fascinating. Maybe I should give some of his work a try.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Reading Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron. It is fascinating. Also, reading a cookbook, Everyday Raw Express. lol

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've never heard of this but I must give it a read sometime.. thanks for sharing! You seem really lovely too, I would love to follow each other and stay in contact.. let me know if you want to! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh wow...this sounds like an amazing read...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your posts always speak to my heart. Franz Kafka is my greatest inspiration. I have read everything he has ever written. I want to write like him. Interesting though, on fiverr.com just this morning I sought a book cover designer who was kafkaesque.

    I'm currently reading a pastry cookbook, called Pierre Herme' Pastries.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Do connect with me on my other platforms below.

e: blogoratti@gmail.com
twitter: Iamblogoratti
Instagram: Iamblogoratti