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Metamorphosis

A BBC Radio 4 Reading

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Metamorphosis

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

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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Sad, even more so for its mostly emotionless tone. That Gregor worried so much for his family and cared for them, only to be discarded and resented when he was no longer useful. Locked in a room with no connection he forgot himself and became the monster they saw. Then he died and they moved on relieved. Written in 1915? It’s interesting how commentary on human emotions and behaviour remain relevant.

Still a classic

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I’ve read the book but listening to the narration brought it alive so much more. Highly recommend

Narration perfectly matched the theme of the book

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I loved this reading. It was melodious and intelligent, very satisfying. A brilliant performance that illuminated a classic text.

Brilliant performance

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I knew of this story for ages and being a huge fan of horror knew i would get to it eventually. its a bizarre story of a victorian workaholic man turning inti a giant insect.. he and family are for the most part nonplussed and adjust to the situation with resentment. i think its a poltical allegory though not sure. its well written and its survival as an important story could be a fluke. its a good story and sticks with you but im not sure its a classic.

bizarre classic

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Was a great book for an easy afternoon listen. Benedict Cumberbatch's voice did Kafka true justice.

The voice makes the book!

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I liked the performance and narration. The story is a bit weird and didn’t seem all that great. I don’t see the big deal or why it’s famous. Maybe im not highbrow enough?

What’s the big deal?

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Brilliant reading by Mr Cumberbatch but as the old saying goes, you can't polish a turd. Spentd your hard earned elsewhere I say.

Utter dross read perfectly

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