Book - 8, The Trial

The Trial (1925)

by

Franz Kafka

Book Read: April 2015

Note Written: 07 July 2015

I had read a few chapters of Kafka's 'The Trial' in my phone, as an e-book, last year. The reason I started reading Kafka is the Malayalam movie 'Munnariyippu' where Joseph K, the protagonist of The Trial, is mentioned. I got curious and started reading. The edition I purchased from Amazon, a hardcover from Wilco Classics, is not up to the mark- it is sloppy and not even well cut. Now about 'the Trial'. 

Kafka's narrative style and writing were a bit difficult for an amateur reader like me then, but once I got in to the flow, I was good. Even though Kafka makes you feel frustrated and keeps you in the hinges burning to know the reason behind Joseph K's arrest (which you would never get to know, surprise, surprise) the anguish and struggles of Joseph K disturbs us, affects us, wounds us, and stays in us. The fable towards the end of the narrative about justice makes us realize how worthless we are as common public, in the clutches of the 'system' built around us. The novel wasn't just a trial for Joseph K, it was mine as well.