Hay Festival Book Club - April 2024
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
One morning, ordinary salesman Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant cockroach…
Metamorphosis, Kafka's novella of unease and black humour, was first published in 1915 and has become one of the twentieth century's most influential works of fiction. It is the longest of the stories Kafka considered complete and published during his lifetime.
As 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Kafka's death, this is a chance to explore his enduring global legacy through a close reading of one of his most iconic works.
Read it? Let us know what you think on TikTok, X, Facebook and Instagram using #HFBookClub.
Further reading
Franz Kafka in the 21st century, Goethe Institut
Our enduring fascination with Kafka, FT
About the author
Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was born of Jewish parents in Prague. Several of his story collections were published in his lifetime and his novels, The Trial, The Castle, and Amerika, were published posthumously by his editor Max Brod.
About Hay Festival Book Club
Timeless titles to offer you a break from the day to day. Can't decide what to read next? Follow your curiosity and join Hay Festival on a journey to imagine the world anew through great literature. Unconstrained by genre or form these are our monthly picks of great books worth reading (or re-reading) right now.
Throughout the month, we'll share interesting links and articles relating to our selection on social media using #HFBookClub and invite you all to get involved with your questions and comments. Each selection will also be marked with a free online event.
If you'd like to recommend a book for consideration, get in touch via bookclub@hayfestival.org.
Happy reading!