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

Personal Essay: The Art of Feeling Completely Worthless

The Art of Feeling Completely Worthless

Navigating the Unseen Burdens of Self-Worth and Expectation

To whomever it may concern,

They say failure is just part of life. And isn't it ironic? Because those very same people would probably rip it out of their own lives if they could. They say it, I think, just to make themselves feel a little less awful. So they don't have to face that gut-wrenching, entirely worthless feeling.

Sometimes, something just happens. And it leaves you feeling so utterly worthless. It's the thing that keeps you awake at night, your mind spinning, replaying everything, wondering how you could have just been better? You just wish you could be.

I’ve shared my complete thoughts on this subject — including a deeper look at the themes, and why this thought stayed with me — on my Substack newsletter.

Read the full essay here: Full Essay

Personal Essay: All Marriages Are Doomed to Failure

All Marriages Are Doomed to Failure.

Why I think marriage is just a slow, painful scam. 

To whomsoever it may concern,

Do you really want to get married?

Since we’re kids, everyone keeps telling us, “One day when you grow up, you’ll get married, blah blah blah.” But does anyone ever stop to actually think about it? Maybe you just don’t want to get married. And why not? Well, because—obviously—all marriages are doomed to fail.

And no, it’s not a matter of perception. Some people get out of their marriage through divorce. Some people stay in it until they die—showing the world how happy they are, while secretly thinking that if killing each other were legal, they'd have done it ages ago.

Trust me when I say: I want to believe people can stay happy in a marriage. It’s just hard to believe when you’ve never actually seen it happen.

I’ve shared my complete thoughts on this subject — including a deeper look at the themes, and why this thought stayed with me — on my Substack newsletter.

Read the full essay here: Full Essay

Personal Essay: Where is God & Where you can find him?

 To whomever it may concern,

Anything related to God is a heavy yet fascinating topic, not just for me but for many others. Growing up in a religious household—much like almost every other household in India—you witness people going to sacred places in search of God, praying to every deity they can find, some even praying for personal gain. It makes you wonder: how can these people believe so strongly in something they have never seen? What drives their faith? What do they hope to gain from it? Peace? But is peace truly attainable in this life?

Is it wealth? How can one expect to gain money without putting in the effort to work? Is it success in exams? Can someone pass an exam without studying? Is it marriage? If a person struggles to find a good partner, is it impossible to live alone? And if not, why not explore marriage websites instead of seeking divine intervention at a temple?

I’ve shared my complete thoughts on this subject — including a deeper look at the themes, and why this thought stayed with me — on my Substack newsletter.

Read the full essay here: Full Essay