logo

52 pages 1 hour read

The Castle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1926

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Franz Kafka

The Castle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1926
Book Details
Pages

300

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Unnamed Village • Early 20th century

Publication Year

1926

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1280L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Castle by Franz Kafka, K. arrives at a village to work as a land surveyor but faces relentless bureaucratic obstacles from the Castle’s authorities. As he strives to gain access to the Castle and legitimacy, K. navigates confusing relationships and conflicting instructions from various village officials and residents, ultimately ending in uncertainty and frustration. The book addresses themes of bureaucratic alienation and sexual exploitation.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

66,860 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Franz Kafka's The Castle captivates with its surreal narrative and existential themes. Praise centers on its complex characters and exploration of bureaucracy and alienation. However, the unresolved plot and dense prose may deter some readers. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that stimulates deep reflection, despite potential frustrations.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Castle?

A reader who would enjoy The Castle by Franz Kafka is one who appreciates complex narratives, existential themes, and surreal experiences. Fans of Kafka's own The Trial and Albert Camus’ The Stranger will find value in the intricate, thought-provoking journey of the protagonist, K., as he navigates the opaque and absurd bureaucratic world.

4.1

66,860 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

300

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Unnamed Village • Early 20th century

Publication Year

1926

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1280L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.