Title: Kafka
Author: David Zane Mairowitz
First published January 1, 1994
176 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781560978060 (ISBN10: 1560978066)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Franz Kafka was a man who lived behind a “glass wall”, where he was alienated from his own body, family, and surroundings. He wrote in a bizarre and hilarious literary language, which added an almost unbearably expanded consciousness to the tradition of the great Yiddish storytellers.
In this newly designed edition of Kafka by David Zane Mairowitz, with illustrations and comic panels by Robert Crumb, we can peek through Kafka’s glass wall and understand his essence beyond the cliche “Kafkaesque”. The book includes a brief but inclusive biography, as well as the plots of many of Kafka’s works, all illustrated by Crumb.
This book is a wonderful educational tool for those unfamiliar with Kafka and a must-have for admirers of both Kafka and Crumb.
About the Author
Meet Mairowitz, a writer who pursued English Literature and Philosophy at Hunter College in New York, and Drama at the University of California, Berkeley. He has an impressive portfolio of works, including the plays “The Law Circus” (1969) and “Flash Gordon and the Angels” (1971).
Some of his other notable works include “BAMN: Outlaw Manifestos and Ephemera 1965-70,” “The Radical Soap Opera: Roots of Failure in the American Left,” “Kafka for Beginners,” and “Introducing Camus.”
Editoral Review
Kafka by David Zane Mairowitz is a comprehensive and insightful biography of the enigmatic writer Franz Kafka. Mairowitz is a British writer, translator, and broadcaster, who has written and adapted several graphic novels and plays.
Kafka was first published in 1994, and it has since been translated into many languages. The book is a mix of biography, literary analysis, and graphic novel, which makes it a unique and engaging read.
The book is set in early 20th-century Prague, where Kafka was born and spent most of his life. In the opening chapter, Mairowitz describes the political and cultural landscape of Prague, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
He explains how the city’s multiculturalism and political instability influenced Kafka’s worldview and writing style. Mairowitz then delves into Kafka’s life story, focusing on his relationships with his family, friends, and lovers.
He also analyzes Kafka’s major works, such as The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle, and explains their themes and symbolism.
Mairowitz’s writing is clear, concise, and witty. He uses a mix of prose, dialogues, and illustrations to tell Kafka’s story.
The graphic novel format adds a visual dimension to the biography, making it more accessible and entertaining. The illustrations, by Robert Crumb, are expressive and surreal, which matches Kafka’s style.
Mairowitz’s analysis of Kafka’s works is insightful and thought-provoking. He connects Kafka’s personal life with his literary output and shows how his works reflect his anxieties, obsessions, and fears.
One of the strengths of Kafka is its historical and cultural context. Mairowitz provides a vivid picture of Prague’s intellectual and artistic scene, which included figures such as Max Brod, Gustav Meyrink, and Franz Werfel.
He also explains how Kafka’s Jewish identity and existential angst shaped his writing. The book sheds light on the complex social, political, and religious tensions of the time, which are still relevant today.
Another strength of Kafka is its psychological depth. Mairowitz portrays Kafka as a complex and contradictory figure, who was torn between his desire for intimacy and his fear of intimacy.
He shows how Kafka’s relationships with his father, mother, sisters, and lovers influenced his writing and his mental health. He also explores Kafka’s spiritual and philosophical quest, which led him to study Buddhism, Hasidism, and Kabbalah.
However, one of the weaknesses of Kafka is its pacing. The book sometimes feels slow and repetitive, especially in the middle section, where Mairowitz describes Kafka’s daily routines and minor events in his life.
The graphic novel format, while innovative, can also be distracting at times, as the illustrations and captions interrupt the flow of the text.
Overall, Kafka by David Zane Mairowitz is a must-read for anyone interested in Kafka’s life and works. It is a well-researched, well-written, and visually stunning biography, which captures the spirit of its subject.
It is a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human condition and to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.
Rating: 4.5/5. The book is excellent in terms of its writing, analysis, and visuals, but it could have been more concise and focused.
