Metamorphosis

By: Franz Kafka

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find he has been transformed into a gigantic insect. This extraordinary tale of imagination was written by Kafka against the backdrop of increasing turmoil in central Europe and remains not just an affecting tale but a disturbing allegory.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2003 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Critic reviews

"Kafka expertly portrays the vagaries of the human heart in a recording that the gifted Martin Jarvis elevates to an audio classic, employing his storytelling skills and knowing inflections in a lively and charming narration occasionally punctuated by scratchy, whimsical violins....This unforgettable audio movie is vivid and disturbing, shot through with black humor." (AudioFile)

Don't want to wake up like this

Kafka creates despair in his character from the start. The listener understands that this may not end well. It is well written as one can see in his mind's eye the desolate room in which the occupant lives. Enjoyable to reflect on the individual as he changes.

Haunting!

Any additional comments?

Physiologically, no insect could ever be as large as a human being.

Thus, this short story’s premise of a young man waking up one morning as a huge insect is completely absurd.

Yet, the story is masterfully written in such a matter-of-fact style that the listener grants it almost undoubted plausibility.

The resulting nightmarish quality provides a lasting memory that brings one to ponder on social stigma and integration.

It is definitely a very worthwhile purchase.

very different story

This was a very differnt story - one about a young man who wakes up as an insect. It was a little strange, but the narration was excellent and it held my interest. The only thing I didn't like about it was the ending. I thought it was a little abrupt.

A Classic

Kafka's works are very well known for their introspective examination of the human condition. This is a must read for literary fans all over. How would you react if one day you woke up as a giant bug?? The actual story is quite depressing as it turns an impossible situation into a study on the interaction he must face with his own family. And I must say, his family's decisions are quite plausible although not very heartwarming. This is not a happy book, only because it faces sad realities of shock and eventually loss. The book ends with the only way it should and although it is quite sad, it is very well written. It fulfills it's goals and leaves you thinking, placing yourself in the position of the main character and the his family.