A New Meaning of “Kafkaesque”

kafkaesque -- of, relating to, or suggestive of Franz Kafka or his writings; especially: having a nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical quality (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kafkaesque)

Franz Kafka, the Jewish German-speaking author, is one of the iconic authors of the 20th century. Although he published few works, his name is well-known to many people and schools of thought like existentialism are traced back to his work and influence. Known for the bizarre worlds he creates through dark stories like “The Metamorphosis” or “The Trial,” the tales he depicts are known loosely even by those who have not read his works. But James Hawes, in his book “Why You Should Read Kafka Before You Waste Your Life,” argues that the traditional interpretation of Kafka’s life and work is on the whole incorrect.

James Hawes creates a list of the common “Kafka myths,” such as Kafka being an archetypal genius neglected in his lifetime, or a lonely and tormented soul struggling to make ends meet with his writing. Hawes uses evidence from other scholars, as well as the letters and diary entries of Kafka himself, to depict the “true” story of Kafka’s life.

While some might be put off by the fact that this biography reads more like a sensational magazine article than a scholarly work, Hawes gladly takes up the difficult task of story of Kafka’s life in sharp contrast to the traditional telling by everyone from tourist guides to college professors. Due to the fact that few have argued this point before, the citations are minimal. This also means that some background on Kafka is helpful in understanding the arguments in this book. Still, despite its flaws, this book is interesting, conversational, and creates a gripping worldview of the time and the place in which Kafka lived.

Overall, Hawes urges the reader to take a more critical look at the systems surrounding biographical and literary critique. He argues that Kafka himself has become an icon rather than a person, and that interpreting his work in this light detracts from the true meaning and intentions behind the man. If not a wholesome biography, it at least offers a critique of the tendency to see an author’s work in hindsight, rather than as a product of the time. For those who know Kafka’s work or are seeking a new interpretation of Kafka’s life, this book is a definite read.