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Metamorphosis

A BBC Radio 4 reading

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Metamorphosis

Written by: Franz Kafka
Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch
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About this listen

Benedict Cumberbatch reads Franz Kafka's famous story of man-turned-insect, Metamorphosis

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018

After a night of troubled dreams, Gregor Samsa wakes to discover that he has turned into a huge, monstrous, cockroach-like creature, with an armour-plated back and multiple limbs.

Gradually, he comes to terms with his new state - but his parents and sister are horrified and increasingly revolted. To them, Gregor is unclean, verminous and entirely repellent, and as he becomes more and more of a burden, their horror turns to a terrible indifference...

First published in 1915, Kafka's surreal existential novella explores concepts such as the absurdity of life, alienation and the disconnect between mind and body. Read by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek, The Imitation Game), this tale - often described as one of the greatest in the history of fiction - is chilling, captivating and darkly comic.


©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

 Classics Genre Fiction Literary Fiction
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I enjoyed the story and narration, but irritating musing before and end of every chapter, spoils the experience.

irritating music alert

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When I started out with the book, the storyline felt quite lame, In fact, the entire book doesn't have any out of the ordinary plot. However, it does bring to light the complex dynamics of family. It reminded me of the quote - Blood is thicker than water. However as the family goes through hardships this bond is tested to its limits. One could even draw parallels of metamorphosis being akin to being different from the socially accepted norm be it physically, socially, culturally or intellectualy. In each of these cases, there would be similar strain on relationships and the true character of people around you would come to light.

Interesting take on family dynamics

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#randomread
Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka
🔖 A strange story, but one that quietly hurts - not because of what happens, but because of how people change.
🔖 Gregor turning into an insect felt symbolic - like how we’re treated when we stop being “useful.”
🔖 I loved how the horror wasn’t the transformation, but the loneliness that followed it.
🔖 The writing felt cold, distant, and detached — which somehow made the emotions hit harder.
🔖 Family, responsibility, and sacrifice were shown in the most uncomfortable way.
🔖 By the end, it wasn’t shocking - it was just deeply sad and heavy.

✨ A disturbing yet powerful reminder that love can fade when convenience disappears.

📖“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me.”
🔥 Sometimes, you don’t turn into a monster - you’re just treated like one.

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Benedict's narration made the story captive.. I'd hoped something happy for Gregor in the end.

Great narration, sad story

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I had read the novel a long time back and I can say this is one of the few audiobooks I've listened to that does the book justice. Benedict Cumberbatch is such a great narrator!

Loved it

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