About the author:
Franz Kafka (1883-1942) is a Jewish author who wrote novellas. He had written many books but ended up burning 90% of his work. When he was on his death bed, he begged his friend Max Bront to burn his remaining work but Max refused and ended up publishing whatever was left over. His work was later censored because it was thought to be harmful and undesirable.
Chapter 1:
Gregor Samsa, a commercial representative, who worked hard to pay his parents debt was always on time and never missed a day off work. One morning, he woke up as a cockroach. He was worried about being late to work and tried to get up and convince himself it was all a dream. His boss showed up to his house and Gregor had to reveal himself. His parents were shocked; his mum was disappointed and his dad threatened him with a cane.
Chapter 2:
Gregor tries to adapt to the changes and his new body. His sister Grete is the only one who cares about him but it slowly becomes mechanical. Gregor realizes he can only eat rotten foods. His mum wants to help but she is scared of seeing him. His dad remains cold and distant and one night he shows up mad and attacks him with apples. One apple gets stuck in his body and he is severely injured.
Chapter 3:
In the final chapter. Gregor is tired and injured. His family rents his room to make money. One night as Grete is playing her violin, Gregor comes out of the room emotional and they tenants see him and threated to leave without paying. Grete, having had enough of this declares that they need to get rid of him and she doesn’t consider him as her brother anymore. Gregor, retreats to his room and slowly passes away during the night. The next morning his family went on a walk and began to plan a better future now that they were free.
My personal feelings:
When I read this book, it made me feel sad and realize how much we take for granted. I recommend this book especially to other teens.
