Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka (1883–1924) was a German-language writer from Prague whose surreal, allegorical works (The Trial, The Metamorphosis, The Castle, America) examine alienation, bureaucracy and existential anxiety. Many works were published posthumously by his friend Max Brod.

Wrote in German; born in Prague when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire; prominent early 20th-century modernist author; many major works published after his death by Max Brod.

DeBaser reviews emphasize Kafka's exploration of incomprehensible justice, bureaucratic absurdity, and existential isolation. Critics praise his concentrated allegories and unsettling style across short parables and unfinished novels. Recurring highlights: The Trial, The Metamorphosis and America. Readably dark, often admired for precision and moral intensity.

For:Readers of modernist and existential literature; those interested in absurdism, bureaucracy and short allegorical fiction.