The Castle

By: Franz Kafka

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

On his deathbed, Franz Kafka asked that all his unpublished manuscripts be burned. Fortunately, his request was ignored, allowing such works as The Trial to earn recognition among the literary masterpieces of the 20th century. This brilliant new translation of The Castle captures comedic elements and visual imagery that earlier interpretations missed. A traveler known only as K. is promised a job as land-surveyor by officials of the Castle. But when K. arrives in town to claim his position, he learns that owing to a clerical error, his services aren't needed after all. Seeking an explanation, K. endures increasingly frustrating setbacks as he strives in vain to simply make contact with someone, anyone, from the Castle. Saturated with absurdist humor, this haunting novel has fascinated and puzzled readers throughout the world. Some critics praise it as the century's great religious parable, while others interpret it as indisputably antireligious. Critically acclaimed narrator George Guidall sheds light on this dreamlike tale, illuminating the limitless nuances of Kafka's writing.

©1958, 1968, 1982 Alfred A. Knopf (P)2004 Recorded Books

Pointed pointlessness

Not for everyone. Ends mid-sentence, unfinished, with plenty of threads left dangling. At no point will you feel like you have a firm grasp on where the story is going. Maybe that's the point. And maybe that point is worth thinking about.

best version

This is simply amazing. I couldn't wait to get back to it in my 4 hour drives. Couldn't wait! The one thing that may help one get it is that the norman bates-like voice of the landlady and other female parts is in fact exactly faithful to the text. I couldn't recommend this more highly and I commend the reader and producers!!!

there is no end! keep away from it!

there is no end! keep away from it!
there is no end! keep away from it!

Kafkaesque

This has been the most difficult book to get through. I’m not sure I’m motivated to finish it regardless of the amazing writing and the performance of the narrator.

Kafka may be over my head.

This performance is impressive and the only reason I was able to finish the book. I do not believe I could read this novel and keep track of the intention, motivation, and purpose of each character. Even with the performance, I found my mind swirling among the 30-word sentences. I am happy to have been exposed to Kafka via this medium, and I am happy to continue on to listen to The Trial as it is also performed by the Narrator: George Guidall.

The first five chapters are amazing

After that it kinda just sputters out and wanders aimlessly. Eventually it feels like it’s finally finding its footing again, but suddenly ends.

excellent

I found the narration to be very good. Kafka is, as ever, wonderfully clever, funny and *unique*. But it is hard to keep up with sometimes. This audiobook surpassed my expectations. Excellent!

I can't remark on the quality of the translation that another reviewer has complained about. I have read the standard english version and this seems to be the same.

Amazing

Even without an ending, this was great and worth my time. I’m glad I read it.

Weird

This is the most frustrating book I have ever listened to. I got the audio version because I really like this narrator. In the end, I just let the beautiful tones of the voice and words wash over me. Very tangled and strange story. Beautifully read though. Horrible end to an excrutiating and baffling story. I think Kafka is making a good point but causes the reader much suffering in so doing. Like walking in marshmallow.

Would have preferred David Whiting translation

Would have preferred the Audible based on David Whiting’s translation, however, there is no paperback, hardcover, or kindle edition, which is startling and disappointing. Guidall’s performance is pretty good, better than the others available. I prefer a narrator with a English accent which I think is more appropriate for The Castle and The Trial. The translation for both novels is Mark Harman. It is excellent.