The Trial

by Franz Kafka
The Trial cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 7887
  • Added: 2025-12-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780369401212
  • Publisher: Aegitas
  • Published: 2020-03-25
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3

Franz Kafka's 'The Trial' is a seminal work of existential literature that explores the nightmarish experience of Josef K., a man arrested and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority. The nature of his crime is never revealed, reflecting the absurdity and alienation of modern life. /n/n Originally written between 1914 and 1915 and published posthumously in 1925, 'The Trial' was influenced by Dostoyevsky's works and remains one of Kafka's most celebrated novels. The novel's abrupt ending and unfinished state add to its enigmatic and haunting quality, making it a profound exploration of the human condition.

Reviews
We Need to Talk About Books · 2024-08-30
Powerful 4.50

The book was not what the reviewer expected, with an Orwellian appearance of a lone individual battling against a vast system. They found it to be a powerful and insightful read.

The reviewer was surprised by the book, as it did not meet their initial expectations. They found the portrayal of a lone individual battling against a vast system to be reminiscent of Orwellian themes. The reviewer appreciated the book's powerful and insightful nature, noting that it left a lasting impact on them. They also mentioned that the book's themes are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today.

Quick quotes

    Franz Kafka's The Trial was not what I expected.

    It does have the Orwellian appearance of a lone individual going into battle against a vast system.

    It left a lasting impact on me.

The Guardian · 2014-12-15
Unsettling 4.00

The book presents a world where people are observed by secret police, making it deeply thought-provoking. It leaves a lasting impression of discomfort and unease.

The reviewer found the book to be deeply unsettling, with its portrayal of a world under constant surveillance. They appreciated the thought-provoking nature of the narrative, which leaves a lasting impression of discomfort and unease. The reviewer also noted that the book's themes are particularly relevant in today's society, where privacy and surveillance are major concerns. They felt that the book's ending was particularly powerful, leaving them with a sense of dread and uncertainty.

Quick quotes

    The Trial is deeply thought-provoking in its uncomfortable presentation of a world where people are observed by secret police.

    It leaves a lasting impression of discomfort and unease.

    The book's themes are particularly relevant in today's society.

Novel Insights · 2009-10-06
Thought-provoking 3.50

The book was a difficult read, but the language was simple and conveyed effectively. The reviewer found the beginning of the novel to be particularly engaging.

The reviewer found the book to be a challenging read, but they appreciated the simplicity of the language and the effective way it was conveyed. They noted that the beginning of the novel was particularly engaging, with a sense of intrigue and mystery that kept them hooked. However, they also mentioned that the book's themes can be quite heavy and may not be suitable for all readers. Overall, they found the book to be a thought-provoking and insightful read.

Quick quotes

    Even though I found the book a difficult read, the language itself is very simply conveyed.

    At the beginning of the novel the writing reminded me of the intrigue and mystery.

    The book's themes can be quite heavy and may not be suitable for all readers.

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