About the book
A son’s poignant letter to his father—from the author of The Metamorphosis and The Trial, and one of the most important writers of the twentieth century. • “One of the great confessions of literature.” —The New York Times Book Review
Franz Kafka wrote this letter to his father, Hermann Kafka, in November 1919. Max Brod, Kafka’s literary executor, relates that Kafka actually gave the letter to his mother to hand to his father, hoping it might renew a relationship that had lost itself in tension and frustration on both sides. But Kafka’s probing of the deep flaw in their relationship spared neither his father nor himself. He could not help seeing the failure of communication between father and son as another moment in the larger existential predicament depicted in so much of his work. Probably realizing the futility of her son’s gesture, Julie Kafka did not deliver the letter but instead returned it to its author.
Editions of Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780805212662
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780805204261
- EBook
- ISBN 9780804150750
Read an Excerpt
A son’s poignant letter to his father—from the author of The Metamorphosis and The Trial, and one of the most important writers of the twentieth century. • “One of the great confessions of literature.” —The New York Times Book Review
Franz Kafka wrote this letter to his father, Hermann Kafka, in November 1919. Max Brod, Kafka’s literary executor, relates that Kafka actually gave the letter to his mother to hand to his father, hoping it might renew a relationship that had lost itself in tension and frustration on both sides. But Kafka’s probing of the deep flaw in their relationship spared neither his father nor himself. He could not help seeing the failure of communication between father and son as another moment in the larger existential predicament depicted in so much of his work. Probably realizing the futility of her son’s gesture, Julie Kafka did not deliver the letter but instead returned it to its author.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater about?
A son’s poignant letter to his father—from the author of The Metamorphosis and The Trial, and one of the most important writers of the twentieth century. • “One of the great confessions of literature.” —The New York Times Book Review
Franz Kafka wrote this letter to his father, Hermann Kafka, in November 1919. Max Brod, Kafka’s literary executor, relates that Kafka actually gave the letter to his mother to hand to his father, hoping it might renew a relationship that had lost itself in tension and frustration on both sides. But Kafka’s probing of the deep flaw in their relationship spared neither his father nor himself. He could not help seeing the failure of communication between father and son as another moment in the larger existential predicament depicted in so much of his work. Probably realizing the futility of her son’s gesture, Julie Kafka did not deliver the letter but instead returned it to its author.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Published diaries, letters and journals
Where can I read a sample of Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780805212662
Is Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The Schocken Kafka Library
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater?
Franz Kafka
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater is available as paperback(ISBN 9780805212662) and paperback(ISBN 9780805204261) and ebook(ISBN 9780804150750)
Where can I buy Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Letter to the Father/Brief an den Vater?