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Swan
10-03-15, 05:47 PM
The Metamorphosis
By Franz Kafka

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn187/bdfolsom/cbe62fe5-069f-4861-8c37-345e202289b1_zpsawbdybcv.jpg

Nominated by Swan

"The Metamorphosis" (original German title: "Die Verwandlung") is a short novel by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It is often cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is widely studied in colleges and universities across the western world. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into an insect.
Friendly Mushroom!
10-03-15, 05:50 PM
This is a really good novel. The Metamorphosis is a perfect start to this club.
Swan
10-03-15, 05:52 PM
I'm glad we're starting with this too, because I've had this book sitting around for a long time but still haven't gotten to it, despite how short it is. I'm pretty sure I'll love Kafka, considering he's influenced most of the artists I love.
Sexy Celebrity
10-03-15, 06:33 PM
Well, I read a page of it online, then lost interest.
Pussy Galore
10-03-15, 06:51 PM
I've never read any Kafka, I'm looking forward to it.
Friendly Mushroom!
10-04-15, 10:26 PM
Bump

So besides Sexy who DNFed, has anyone started reading this and how long you believe it will take?
Sexy Celebrity
10-04-15, 10:35 PM
I did read the entire synopsis of this book on Wikipedia. Interesting story.
Friendly Mushroom!
10-04-15, 10:37 PM
You idler :D
Swan
10-04-15, 11:31 PM
Bump

So besides Sexy who DNFed, has anyone started reading this and how long you believe it will take?

I started it. I think I'll get through it this week, as long as I sit down and do it, but I never know with me. :p
TheUsualSuspect
10-05-15, 12:25 AM
Requested at library. Hope to get it this week.

PS - I'm a slow reader.
Sexy Celebrity
10-05-15, 12:26 AM
I found it online. Apparently it's free -- in the public domain.
TheUsualSuspect
10-05-15, 12:26 AM
Maybe I'll check it out online then.
TheUsualSuspect
10-05-15, 12:28 AM
The version I see online is 96 pages, the one at the library says 201???
Sexy Celebrity
10-05-15, 12:29 AM
The version I see online is 96 pages, the one at the library says 201???
Both are too long.
TheUsualSuspect
10-05-15, 12:35 AM
Both are too long.

Helpful.
Sexy Celebrity
10-05-15, 12:41 AM
I don't have the answer. Maybe the library has some kind of expanded version? With 100 pages of extras talking about the book... I don't know.
Funny Face
10-05-15, 12:42 AM
The version I see online is 96 pages, the one at the library says 201???
It depends on the size and font that is used. My copy is from the library and also contains other stories so it's 191 pages but the specific story is only about 45 pages. Looked at the online pdf versions and there is less text on one page compared to my book which explains the extra pages.

Here are two links for free pdfs:
International World History Project (http://history-world.org/The_Metamorphosis_T.pdf)
The Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm)
False Writer
10-05-15, 01:33 AM
Oh awesome if it's online and free I'll probably be joining.
Camo
10-05-15, 02:00 AM
I've read The Castle by Kafka which i loved but not this :coleman:. Without reading any of it, SC's post shows me Whoopi is involved here somehow, which is always encouraging.
Sexy Celebrity
10-05-15, 02:10 AM
I've read The Castle by Kafka which i loved but not this :coleman:. Without reading any of it, SC's post shows me Whoopi is involved here somehow, which is always encouraging.

That was a good idea for a moment, but I'm deleting it from the thread. When I copied the text, it didn't format right and I'm not sure I'm getting all the paragraphs in their correct places.
Camo
10-05-15, 02:19 AM
That was a good idea for a moment, but I'm deleting it from the thread. When I copied the text, it didn't format right and I'm not sure I'm getting all the paragraphs in their correct places.

Yeah, also i'm pretty sure that picture of Whoopi didn't appear until after the fourth chapter in the original 1910s print.
Friendly Mushroom!
10-05-15, 07:05 PM
That was a good idea for a moment, but I'm deleting it from the thread. When I copied the text, it didn't format right and I'm not sure I'm getting all the paragraphs in their correct places.

Yeah, also i'm pretty sure that picture of Whoopi didn't appear until after the fourth chapter in the original 1910s print.

Plus the Metamorphosis is only three chapters (ummm I mean "parts")
Friendly Mushroom!
10-08-15, 05:37 PM
How's everyone's progress? Any thoughts? Likes? Dislikes? Discussion is encouraged as I'm bad at it. :p
False Writer
10-08-15, 06:51 PM
I'm 10 pages in. Interesting so far. It's relatable because sometimes Ihave that much trouble getting out of bed in the morning. :D
Funny Face
10-14-15, 02:25 AM
Finished reading last night. Will post more in the next few days. How is everyone liking it? I liked the story more after the final third. Pulled the other parts together and also was the most interesting (and heartbreaking). Also thought the timeline of Kafka's life, included in my copy, was helpful since I don't know much about the author.
christine
10-14-15, 05:02 AM
Sorry I've not had s chance to get it yet but will do next weekend. I'm a fast reader too so I'll catch up with you all soon :)
Friendly Mushroom!
10-29-15, 08:38 PM
Bump. I hope Swan didn't cancel this.
Funny Face
10-31-15, 01:02 AM
Woops, forgot to post more. Didn't care for the story in the beginning but like I said in a previous post, liked it more after the final third and even more when thinking about the themes now. Change is a theme most people easily relate to because everyone experiences it but how each person handles change varies individually. There are certain life events that can change our lives overnight- losing a job, a loved one, illness...etc. and it transforms us (and maybe our identities)- sometimes making it hard for others to recognize us and also hard to recognize ourselves. Has anyone had a time that they experienced personal change and met any resistance or have interesting reactions from others?

Anyone else finish and or have anything to add?

Won't have reliable internet access until I get a new service provider but I'll try to remember to check in for new discussion points.
Gabrielle947
12-03-15, 03:07 PM
Haha, this was compulsory to read in high school. I remember, when I opened the book and read the first sentence which was like: '..and George became a bug' and I just thought fml.. :D

But I did like it, it's easy to follow and understand and it's not even long so I'd recommend for everyone to give it a go. :)