The Trial [Paperback]

 

 

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We should all know the story concerning one of the greatest novels ever written, about a man being awaken to find out he is under arrest for a crime he knows nothing about, and charged by an unknown person.
It's been debated as to what is really Kafka's novel all about. Some say, it's "hero"(?) Joseph K. represents the "every man". Who has been forced to live in a world, where's man's biggest sin is being himself. The character K. like Kafka himself feels they are an outsider in a world they cannot function in. Others still, see the book as merely a semi-autobiography as Kafka's own feelings of worthlessness. We all know Kafka even doubted his own talents as a writer. But, yet again, others think that "K." is not the "every man". That he is guilty of his "sins".
So, what does all of this prove? It simply goes to show you the impact Franz Kafka has left on the world. Here we have a book published in 1925 and still causes debate as to what exactly were Kafka's intentions. If, infact, he didn't have any intentions!
'The Trial', to me is a story of a man's loneliness. It's a story of man who probably is guilty of what he is charged with. And we slowly read about his desent into a world of paranoia. I've heard some people agrue that what happens to "K." is all merely a dream. None of it ever really happened, but, it was "K." himself who brought this punishment on himself. Sort of like how Kafka himself did by never marrying the girl he loved, by living in the shadows of his father, who he adored, and never having an self confidence. If what happens in 'The Trial' is a dream, you can bet "K." learned something.
There's something about Kafka that fasincates me. He is one of my favorite authors. I find Kafka himself to be just as interesting has the stories he wrote. People tend to forget or overlook something in Kafka's writing. He WAS funny. His novels all have moments that are truly inspired. One of my favorite chapters in this book deals with "The Painter". What happens has "K." trys to leave and the Painter stops him asking him if he wants to buy a painting had me laughing.
For those of you who have never read this book, I do completely recommend it. You will find the book to be fascinating. Kafka was a master of thinking up these surreal stories. You may be bothered by the book's conclusion. Not that you'll mind the final act against "K." but, you'll be bothered by the way it happens. You would have expected more of a set-up. I know I did. Others who read the book may feel the book is incomplete. And that may lead them to dislike it. You are right in your judgement that the book is incomplete, but, remember, Kafka never wanted any of his books published. There's actually a chapter in here that was never finished. And, even though it is incomplete that didn't stop me from truly enjoying this masterpiece. If you have never read anything by Kafka, this is a fine place to start. I hope everyone finds 'The Trial' to be as enjoyable as I did.
Bottom-line: One of the great works by Kafka. It touches on themes that were ahead of their time. Themes that are still around us today. An excellent example of the paranoid mind. Everyone should read this!

I just finished reding it a second time and instead of a story of isolation and opression, it was a dark comedy, and although tragic at times also surprisingly funny. You take from this book what you want to, and can find something new, or look at something differently almost everytime you read it. Some of the sentences run-on and there are almost no paragraph's but that's because the book wasn't ment for publication (refer to kafka's letter to Max Brod) but once you get past that it isn't an overly difficult book to read compared to some of his other writtings and it's length isn't very long so pick it up from the library first, and if you like it buy it because I'm sure you'll read it again

Kafka's The Trial is a testament to those like Joseph K. who are ensnared in endless legal proceedings. Part dream, part comedy, part tragedy, part satire, Kafka works a masterpiece out of the tribulations of a common man. Joseph K. is on trial but is never informed of the charges. He is represented by an attorney, but the lawyer seems useless. He attends proceedings that go on endlessly with no apparent purpose. A host of unforgettable characters throughout the book add to his paranoia. Joseph K. finally meets his end in an execution appalling in its polite savagery. Through works like The Trial, Kafka's name became synonymous for those drifting though bizarre persecutions. A fascinating book.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Jim 'The World's Greatest Job' (high school English/theatre teacher)
Broaden your thinking brother and sisters. This is Kafka. Don't forget that there is a very powerful stage version of this story by Andre Gide. Read more

Published on Mar 22 2009 by J. Stiller

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's start with the end.
What is the story? K. is "arrested", "sentenced" and put to "death". I'm not spoiling anything because this novel is not really a story but a dreamlike description of an ordeal... Read more

Published on Jun 19 2007 by Jan Dierckx

4.0 out of 5 stars Im being a little generous...But it was actually pretty good
The Trial was very interesting. I enjoyed most of its parts. The characters were really well done...everyone one of them is believable, complicated, dark, mysterious. Read more

Published on May 3 2004 by A. Lacasse

4.0 out of 5 stars Kafka's Wieeeeeerd!
Franz Kafka was a bit odd. He only published his short stories in his lifetime, and requested that his novels be burned after his death. Read more

Published on April 5 2004 by I ain't no porn writer

4.0 out of 5 stars Belasco - 3rd Quarter Outside Reading - The Trial
I found The Trial to be thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely one of Kafka's best. I found myself absorbed in the captivating storyline but the analyses involved within the story... Read more

Published on Mar 30 2004 by Scott Moorby

5.0 out of 5 stars Sorry about my english...
When I was a little kid and read the castle for the first time (I was a nerdy kid), I felt a little disappointed, because the story didn't have an end, but let me with a funny... Read more

Published on Mar 18 2004 by Don Manolo

3.0 out of 5 stars My Introduction to Kafka
I liked the Trial. In my quest to read the top 100 fiction books of the last century, I picked up what is probably Kafka's seminal work. Read more

Published on Jan 24 2004 by Christopher Braden

5.0 out of 5 stars Franz Kafka's The Trial--"Before the Law."
The Trial, written by Franz Kafka and published posthumously by Kafka's best friend, Max Brod, is hailed as Kafka's best work, and rightly so. Read more

Published on Dec 20 2003 by Nobody!

5.0 out of 5 stars I Shall Make This As Terse As Possible
Many have expatiated at length about the existential subtext of this book, about its philosophical inclinations, its ideas, and ultimately its purpose. Read more

Published on Dec 10 2003 by Brandon DiSabatino

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Heavy
I have read many of Franz Kafka's short stories, and after reading _The Trial_, I can say with confidence that he is one of the heaviest writers of the 20th Century. Read more

Published on July 23 2003 by Logan Rutherford

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