The Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka
Read by David Barnes
The Metamorphosis (in German, Die Verwandlung, "The Transformation") is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915, and arguably the most famous of his works along with the longer works The Trial and The Castle. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into a giant "monstrous vermin". (Summary from Wikipedia) (2 hr 34 min)
Reviews
amazing narration
A LibriVox Listener
this is by far the best narration I have heard on this site, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this work
A wonderful recording
Philippe Horak
Many thanks to Mr Barnes for his wonderful reading of Kafka's "The Metamorphosis", a nightmarish and chilling tale of horror and abandonment. It is one of the most powerful texts written by Kafka and quite worth listening to.
Retrospective
Mihai B
It can be frightening how easy it is to alienate someone that ceases to follow social norms.
Outstanding Narration
Declan Rainey
Firstly, the book itself is kafka’s only completed novel - and secondly its ending is frustrating and asks more than it answers. But that’s why I like it. You will argue with Kafka throughout the book - again, another reason to enjoy it. Mr Barnes, the narrator, delivers the book in a way no other audiobook version of Kafka’s other novels (I’ve listened to them all many times over) do. He reads it as I like to imagine Franz would like. Go on, listen to it and prepare to be questioned, poked and prodded until he provokes the most heated argument you will ever have with a dead author.
Just like Pay per View
Steve Cat
Excellent narration. Slow, dignified, fitting for Kafka. High quality 128 bps. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your life to share you impressions of Kafka with us.
All time classic
John B. Stewart
Loved David Barnes' interpretation of the classic and disturbing masterpiece. But left more questions than answers. Was he aware that he had been turned into a cockroach and why? And did his family know that this creature was actually their son and brother. It created a chilling observation of complete abandonment and alienation. It suggested the presentation of an extended nightmare that any one of us could have experienced (and I would suggest Kafka probably did). It speaks to the insecurities and inner fears of us all, that somehow our world can be completely turned upside down and we can be wrenched from the normality of a mundane existence to a dystopian horror in an instant. Certainly makes you think and not for the squeamish but such an important work.
Great Reading
AllyJ
I have yet to find a Librivox recording read as well as this. Iconic story delivered very well.
It made me sad but was a great read
Oliver C
wow the book is brutal and I felt bad for Gregor, I had to stop listening towards the end because I just got so emotional and sick to my stomach about how they treated him.