The Metamorphosis Audiobook By Franz Kafka, Susan Bernofsky - translator cover art

The Metamorphosis

A New Translation by Susan Bernofsky

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The Metamorphosis

By: Franz Kafka, Susan Bernofsky - translator
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Victor Bevine, Christa Lewis
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"This fine version, with David Cronenberg's inspired introduction and the new translator's beguiling afterword, is, I suspect, the most disturbing though the most comforting of all so far; others will follow, but don't hesitate: this is the transforming text for you." (Richard Howard)

Franz Kafka's 1915 novella of unexplained horror and nightmarish transformation became a worldwide classic and remains a century later one of the most widely read works of fiction in the world. It is the story of traveling salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect. This hugely influential work inspired George Orwell, Albert Camus, Jorge Louis Borges, and Ray Bradbury, while continuing to unsettle millions of readers.

In her new translation of Kafka's masterpiece, Susan Bernofsky strives to capture both the humor and the humanity in this macabre tale, underscoring the ways in which Gregor Samsa's grotesque metamorphosis is just the physical manifestation of his longstanding spiritual impoverishment.

©2014 Susan Bernofsky. Introduction 2014 David Cronenberg. (P)2014 Audible Inc. Classics Jewish Heritage Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Witty Thought-Provoking

Featured Article: The top 100 classics of all time


Before we whipped out our old high school syllabi and dug deep into our libraries to start selecting contenders for this list, we first had to answer the question, "How do we define a classic?" The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might guess, though there’s a lot to be said for the old adage, "You know it when you see it" (or, in this case, hear it). Of course, most critically, each of our picks had to be fabulous in audio. So dust off your aspirational listening list—we have some amazing additions you don’t want to miss.

Featured Article The top 100 classics of all time
Powerful Metaphor • Captivating Translation • Exceptional Narration • Relatable Protagonist • Classic Literature
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Narration was performed beautifully. It was easy to drift off and allow the novella to spur visuals via imagination.

Engaging and poignant! ..A must for workaholics.

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I ran across Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis on ITunes and began listening to it However it was only about half of the book so i searched for an Audiobook provider on the Internet found this site, joined, and the reward was the full reading of the book which I wholly enjoyed. Excellent production!

My 1st IPhone Audiobook

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Well, the introduction was not terribly engaging, the story itself is riveting and the follow up by the translator added depths and complexity to this English version. The story itself contains many fascinating reflections on the human condition and I’m sure there are many reviews that have discussed this better than I can do here.

Thought Provoking Metaphor

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For some reason I had never read metamorphosis. No clue why but I had it on my list to do. So when it showed up as a special deal I got the audio. Having heard about the story for years, I guess it’s almost impossible for it to hold up to its reputation. I did enjoy the story but I was annoyed with the family’s reactions. I’m fully cognizant that as a reader in 2022, I’m judging a story written for an audience 100 years ago. It’s still a worthwhile story and holds the reader’s attention, but I’m still amazed at its reputation in classical literature.

Disappointed but entertained

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After reading the Metamorphosis it made me want to read more Kafka books! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Love!

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kafka at its best a joy to listen to recommended to anyone on a long ride or on a dreary winters morning

best of kafka

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I really enjoyed the book and the performance by the narrator. I recommend this book.

Good book and performance

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An anti-climatic story upon first reflection. Maybe the symbolism will grow on me in time. The narrator did a very good job and was easy to follow.

Less than exciting

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The narration is wonderful. He didn't detract but, rather, he accompanied the tone of the author, I believe.
As for the story, personally I enjoyed The Stranger more than this experience. The artistry of Kaka's syntax made for an enjoyable read. But the former book had me raptured by the end. Maybe with some more growth in my part will make for a better experience the second time around.
My time spent was well worth it. This is the only translation I have read.

A wonderful experience.

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Glad I finally got to read it! Franz Kafka is a phenomenal artist. I would suggest to read this asap.

Great Book

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