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44 pages 1 hour read

Franz Kafka

The Trial

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1925

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Trial by Franz Kafka is a nightmarish tale where the protagonist, Josef K., is inexplicably arrested and prosecuted for an unknown crime. Despite his attempts to navigate the court’s bizarre and opaque bureaucracy, K.’s efforts are futile, leading to a series of unsettling encounters and ultimately, his mysterious and tragic demise.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Franz Kafka's The Trial is celebrated for its haunting exploration of bureaucracy and existential dread, offering profound psychological and philosophical insights. Critics praise its compelling, surreal narrative and vivid prose. Conversely, some readers find its abstract nature and unresolved plot frustrating. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Trial?

Readers who enjoy existential literature and complex themes, such as those found in The Stranger by Albert Camus or 1984 by George Orwell, would find Kafka's The Trial compelling. Its exploration of alienation, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of the human condition appeals to those who appreciate thought-provoking and philosophical narratives.

Book Details
Pages

255

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Europe • Early 20th century

Publication Year

1925

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1150L

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