Mysterious and beautiful

Edoardo Ballerini is a wonderful narrator, and this is a wonderful story.

Is it an allegory? What did Kafka mean by having Gregor Samsa turn overnight into a giant, repellent bug? (He certainly is repellent: some of the passages in this translation are very hard to listen to.) One possibility is a moral failing of some kind; another is a terrible wasting disease like cancer. And of course it's also possible that no allegory is intended, that Kafka simply wanted to put this family in an extreme situation so we could watch their reactions. And in fact, by the end, Gregor's family is every bit as metamorphosed as he is himself.

Whatever the "meaning," the story is a mysterious and beautiful one, and this audiobook is well worth the short time it takes to listen to it.

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10 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

A wonderful experience.

The narration is wonderful. He didn't detract but, rather, he accompanied the tone of the author, I believe.
As for the story, personally I enjoyed The Stranger more than this experience. The artistry of Kaka's syntax made for an enjoyable read. But the former book had me raptured by the end. Maybe with some more growth in my part will make for a better experience the second time around.
My time spent was well worth it. This is the only translation I have read.

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7 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Sympathy for Insects

The Metamorphosis is possibly Kafka's most iconic work. It is the story of a man, the sole provider for his family, waking up to discover that he is now a giant bug. I wouldn't dare risk any spoilers for this, but if you've never experienced this story you are in for a real treat. Further, Edoardo Ballerini's narration really brings Gregor's plight to life. Very highly recommended!

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4 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent!

A beautiful fictional story, with a powerful metaphor that can bring tears to your eyes. Exceptional translation and narration. Highly recommended!

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3 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Engaging and poignant! ..A must for workaholics.

Narration was performed beautifully. It was easy to drift off and allow the novella to spur visuals via imagination.

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2 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Utter nonsense

Would you try another book from Franz Kafka and Susan Bernofsky (translator) and/or Edoardo Ballerini?

I will read one more Kafka book just to give him a fair chance and decide for sure whether he is really as bad as I think after reading this book or whether this one was just a rotten apple.

What could Franz Kafka and Susan Bernofsky (translator) have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Well he could have written a more interesting story. Or one that had some meaning. This book is a disgusting, depressing, boring, gloomy story that makes no sense and totally uninteresting.

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

The narrator was good. The book sucked.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Mainly boredom.

Any additional comments?

Don't waste your time on this book unless you have a very active imagination and like to create your own world in your head and want this book to stimulate your imagination. And you like to be depressed and disgusted and bored.

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2 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Profound

Original new translation of a classic, making it accessible and relevant to a modern audience, with same fundamental truths pervailing.

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1 personne a trouvé cela utile

out of date

This was brutal to listen through, by no real fault of the reader.

I can imagine that this might have been extraordinary back in 1912. Reading in 2021 it feels dull and pointless.

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Best Narrator Ever!

First and foremost Edoardo Ballerini is perhaps the best narrator I have ever heard. Perfect voice, perfect cadence and inflection. Just everything you want in a good narration was delivered. I will now search out all books with him as a narrator. Absolutely fantastic. The story was difficult for me. I felt bad for poor heir Samsa. Sad at the alienation from his family. Short but good book. Worth the few hours especially if you are looking for something quick.

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1 personne a trouvé cela utile

best of kafka

kafka at its best a joy to listen to recommended to anyone on a long ride or on a dreary winters morning

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1 personne a trouvé cela utile