45 pages • 1 hour read
Amerika: The Missing Person
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
United States • Early 20th century
1927
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Amerika, by Franz Kafka and translated by Willa Muir, follows Bohemian immigrant Karl Rossmann as he navigates the complexities and hardships of arriving in early 20th-century America. After being exiled by his parents, Karl encounters various individuals who exploit him, leading to an ever-changing cycle of fortune and misfortune. His journey includes working in positions like a hotel lift-boy and entrapment by untrustworthy men, ultimately seeking a place of belonging and happiness at the Theater of Oklahoma.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Franz Kafka's Amerika, translated by Willa Muir, is praised for its vivid narrative and Kafka's unique portrayal of the immigrant experience. Some readers find the fragmented, unfinished nature challenging, while others appreciate its raw insight into alienation and identity. Muir's translation is largely seen as faithful but occasionally dated.
Who Should Read Amerika?
A reader who enjoys Amerika by Franz Kafka and transl. Willa Muir is likely drawn to surreal, existential narratives exploring alienation and bureaucratic absurdity. Fans of Kafka's The Trial or Orwell's 1984 will find similar themes of dislocation and societal critique within a disorienting and often nightmarish reality.
336
Novel • Fiction
United States • Early 20th century
1927
Adult
18+ years
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