The Metamorphosis (Audio Book)

The Metamorphosis (in German, Die Verwandlung, “The Transformation”) is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It is arguably the most famous of his works along with the longer works The Trial and The Castle. It is often cited as one of the seminal works of short fiction of the 20th century and is widely studied in colleges and universities across the western world.

The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into a giant “monstrous vermin”.

Rather than lament his transformation, Gregor worries about how he will get to his job as a traveling salesman. Gregor is the sole financial provider for his parents and sister, Grete, and their comfort is dependent on his ability to work.

When Gregor's supervisor arrives at the house and demands Gregor come out of his room, Gregor manages to roll out of bed and unlock his door. His appearance horrifies his family and supervisor; his supervisor flees while his family chases him back into his room.

Grete attempts to care for her brother by providing him with milk and the stale, rotten food he now prefers. Gregor also develops the fears of a vermin, being effectively shooed away by hissing voices and stamping feet. However, Gregor remains a devoted and loving son, and takes to hiding beneath a sofa whenever someone enters his room in order to shield them from his vermin form.

When alone, he amuses himself by looking out of his window and crawling up the walls and on the ceiling.

This book is a literal classic and is a story that will leave you feeling enlightened and bemused, but ultimately more appreciative of life, family, and the personal humanity that each one of us has created for ourselves.