Book Review: Franz Kafka at his most vulnerable

 Franz Kafka at his most vulnerable 

Everything I felt while reading Letters to Milena

Franz Kafka is such a huge name in the literary world today that it feels almost unreal to believe he died thinking his work would never amount to anything. So convinced was he of his insignificance that he asked his best friend, Max Brod, to burn all of his work after his death. However, Brod did not honour Kafka’s request and instead chose to publish his writings.

In these letters, you get to read Kafka like you may have never read before. Kafka’s longing and yearning for Milena are laid bare in his letters. The few letters Milena wrote to Max Brod, which are included in the book, are equally compelling—they reveal her sorrow and the cruel play of fate with striking clarity.

I’ve shared my complete thoughts on Letters to Milena— including a deeper look at the characters, themes, and why this book stayed with me — on my Substack newsletter.

Read the full essay here: Full Essay