The Metamorphosis

By: Franz Kafka

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Length: 2 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

No wonder Elias Canetti described it as "one of the few great and perfect works of the poetic imagination written". The Metamorphosis remains one of the best works of fiction in history.

It is the story of a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up to find himself being transformed to an insect-like creature. The story unfolds into one of the greatest short fiction stories ever written.

Public Domain (P)2012 Palmera Publishing

Change by Chris Selna is a much better version

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not this version. But as far as the book, yes. It's often cited as the greatest short story.

What did you like best about this story?

The premise and beautiful thoughts about the human condition, crappy jobs and family loyalties.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Not nearly up to par with this classic story. Way too underplayed. Like I said earlier, my fave audiobook version is 'Change' by Chris Selna, narrated by Ron Herczig.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

This my favorite book so on the 100th anniversary I listened to all the audiobook versions. By far the best was narrated by Ron Herczig and adapted by Chris Selna. The title is 'Change'.

terrible

Where does The Metamorphosis rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

a terrible robotic reading of the story - i cannot really suggest anyone buying this - i had to stop it before it drove me crazy

Did Tim Campbell do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

yes, the robotic tone of voice really made me be unable to continue listening

Great story, maybe weirdly read, but I enjoyed it.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it is cheap enough not to fret about, short enough to give a chance, and overall rewarding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Metamorphosis?

Delving into the mind and sympathizing with a cockroach. Did not think I could go there but I did. I hate cockroaches.

What does Tim Campbell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Definitely check out the sample first. The performer has a languid, almost mechanical pace to his voice. But for me it worked. I usually listen to books while working on projects or driving and like it when they speak slower and simpler so I can focus on the task at hand more than the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It has some dark humor that I found smirk-worthy. The ending was satisfying.

Any additional comments?

Try it, it may just be the most original story you ever read. One billion English teachers probably aren't wrong.

Tim Campbell is a computer or a terrible narrator

Would you be willing to try another one of Tim Campbell’s performances?

No way. I couldn't listen to this for more than 2 minutes. I had to buy another version. Either Tim Campbell is a computer, or a human being whose narration was poorly auto tuned to make him sound like a computer. Either way I couldn't pay attention to the words.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment as I had to stop it in the beginning due to horrible narration.

Any additional comments?

Always listen to the previews before buying. Do not rely on star rating. Lesson learned. Luckily this lesson only cost me $2.

Is this really a person narrating?

What didn’t you like about Tim Campbell’s performance?

The narration totally bums this version out....it could almost be a computer reading this...is it?