Kafka

[Extollager]

I've hardly read him. So, for the sake of someone who might be willing to give him a try:

Which works? Whose translations?

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

I can't give you any advice on translations.

Among the shorter works, I'd suggest "In the Penal Colony" and "A Hunger Artist."

Among the longer works, I'd suggest "The Metamorphosis," "The Trial," and "The Castle."

 

[J-Sun]

Yep, I like The Trial the best. The Castle is also good. (I have Amerika but haven't read it.)

For short fiction, you should go whole hog and get The Complete Stories.

That also gives away the translations as that's a Schocken for which Willa and/or Edwin Muir do most or all the translations, and the same publisher/translators do the novels. There may be something newer that's superseded them but I don't know about it. I'm happy with them.

 

[GOLLUM]

I think J-Sun has provided a good summary there of what you are after.

I have not really gone into which translation is the best to be honest and as you know can also read some of his stuff in German if I so choose.

I like The Trial the best as well. As far as the short stories go I haven't read many to date. Another thing to add to the to-do list.

His novella Metamorphoses is also worth reading.

Victoria Silverwolf's suggestions I also agree with, especially for the shorter works.

You may be able to get some of his works online these days, not sure?

Thanks for posting this thread and will post more here periodically.

 

[Allegra]

I've only read The Metamorphosis years ago, wanted to read The Trial and The Castle but never did. Wish I can take 5 years off just to read the too many books I've always wanted to read!

 

[GOLLUM]

I've only read The Metamorphosis years ago, wanted to read The Trial and The Castle but never did. Wish I can take 5 years off just to read the too many books I've always wanted to read!

In that case hanging around this neck of the woods for too much longer is going to drive you truly insane....

 

[Allegra]

In that case hanging around this neck of the woods for too much longer is going to drive you truly insane....

Yes, must take a break, it's getting too stressful!