Why Kafka Is Not Kafkaesque

By: Paul Johnston

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Kafka's stories are famous for their mysterious, sinister character, but what do they really mean? This readable book explores four of Kafka's best known works (including The Trial) and argues that there is more to Kafka than the ideas expressed in the word "Kafkaesque". We may like to see ourselves as victims of a crazy world, but that's a very limiting perspective. Joseph K's trial has its nightmare aspects, but it is also a chance to escape the empty life he has built for himself. Unfortunately, he is too busy complaining about how badly he is being treated to make anything much of this opportunity.