The Castle

By: Franz Kafka

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

On his deathbed, Franz Kafka asked that all his unpublished manuscripts be burned. Fortunately, his request was ignored, allowing such works as The Trial to earn recognition among the literary masterpieces of the 20th century. This brilliant new translation of The Castle captures comedic elements and visual imagery that earlier interpretations missed. A traveler known only as K. is promised a job as land-surveyor by officials of the Castle. But when K. arrives in town to claim his position, he learns that owing to a clerical error, his services aren't needed after all. Seeking an explanation, K. endures increasingly frustrating setbacks as he strives in vain to simply make contact with someone, anyone, from the Castle. Saturated with absurdist humor, this haunting novel has fascinated and puzzled readers throughout the world. Some critics praise it as the century's great religious parable, while others interpret it as indisputably antireligious. Critically acclaimed narrator George Guidall sheds light on this dreamlike tale, illuminating the limitless nuances of Kafka's writing.

©1958, 1968, 1982 Alfred A. Knopf (P)2004 Recorded Books

Pointed pointlessness

Not for everyone. Ends mid-sentence, unfinished, with plenty of threads left dangling. At no point will you feel like you have a firm grasp on where the story is going. Maybe that's the point. And maybe that point is worth thinking about.

best version

This is simply amazing. I couldn't wait to get back to it in my 4 hour drives. Couldn't wait! The one thing that may help one get it is that the norman bates-like voice of the landlady and other female parts is in fact exactly faithful to the text. I couldn't recommend this more highly and I commend the reader and producers!!!

there is no end! keep away from it!

there is no end! keep away from it!
there is no end! keep away from it!

Kafkaesque

This has been the most difficult book to get through. I’m not sure I’m motivated to finish it regardless of the amazing writing and the performance of the narrator.

excellent

I found the narration to be very good. Kafka is, as ever, wonderfully clever, funny and *unique*. But it is hard to keep up with sometimes. This audiobook surpassed my expectations. Excellent!

I can't remark on the quality of the translation that another reviewer has complained about. I have read the standard english version and this seems to be the same.

Amazing

Even without an ending, this was great and worth my time. I’m glad I read it.

Obscure, enigmatic, and not for everyone

I'm a Kafka fan, and I read The Castle before hearing the audiobook. This is definitely not for everyone -- long, rambling, seemingly without direction. Many of the passages feel more like a philosophy treatise than a story. It is an unfinished novel, literally ending in the middle of a scene, which leaves one very unsatisfied.

The narration is excellent, although a Kafka novel isn't something you can breeze through -- there are times when you need to stop and let a particular sentence sink in. In many ways I preferred to read the actual book, and take my time with it. This is a book that makes you work -- there are more questions than answers, and no real solutions. Like trudging through snow, it can be both wearying and exhilarating (not to mention deep.)

Before he died, Kafka told his friends how he intended The Castle to end, and that information would have been very helpful to include here. I also recommend The Trial as a much more accessible Kafka novel, which deals with many of the same themes (the individual struggle against a frustrating and obscure bureaucracy).

it's Kafka 🤔

Probably a better read than listen! however the narrator was enjoyable on bureaucratic ramblings on, as bureaucrats do

Weird

This is the most frustrating book I have ever listened to. I got the audio version because I really like this narrator. In the end, I just let the beautiful tones of the voice and words wash over me. Very tangled and strange story. Beautifully read though. Horrible end to an excrutiating and baffling story. I think Kafka is making a good point but causes the reader much suffering in so doing. Like walking in marshmallow.

Would have preferred David Whiting translation

Would have preferred the Audible based on David Whiting’s translation, however, there is no paperback, hardcover, or kindle edition, which is startling and disappointing. Guidall’s performance is pretty good, better than the others available. I prefer a narrator with a English accent which I think is more appropriate for The Castle and The Trial. The translation for both novels is Mark Harman. It is excellent.