The short trilogy provides strong evidence that fiction does not exist. In each book, the author represents their unique life experiences. Kafka demonstrates this skillfully, as every story immerses the reader in specific periods of his biography, including his difficult relationship with his father and his experiences during the war. Each narrative evokes distinct emotions, and once you read them, you will never be able to forget them.


📖  METAMORPHOSIS 

A young salesman Gregor wakes up in a body of a bug. His parents and sister are disgusted by him, even if he had been the only one keeping the family on its feet in the last years. Through his metamorphosis, Gregor fully realizes what it means, to be a human. Despite experiencing violence and humiliation from his family, Gregor still holds onto his love for them. One of the saddest stories I've read.


📖  IN THE PENAL COLONY

The story takes us to the execution of a prisoner, who is supposed to undergo a horrific torture. A special machine slowly carves a commandment onto his body until it pierces through. The machine serves as a metaphor for a totalitarian regime, where those who serve it are mere cogs who feel no responsibility for their actions. A traveler witnesses the execution and voices his opposition to the regime, leading the officer in charge to ultimately make a difficult decision. This haunting story provides much food for thought and is one that will stick with you long after reading it.


📖 THE JUDGEMENT

It is a story about a son seeking advice from his father but instead receiving a barrage of sarcastic mockery and contempt, leading the calm narrative to transform into an insane anxious absurdity. To fully understand the meaning of this story, it is essential to be familiar with Kafka's biography, where his own father behaved similarly towards him, and Kafka felt that death was the only escape from this pressure.

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