The Castle

Franz Kafka’s final novel lays bare the absurdities of modern society—and perhaps even life itself.

Our protagonist, K., is a land surveyor who’s been summoned to a small village somewhere in Europe. All he needs to do is speak to the Count, who resides in the nearby castle. But every attempt somehow lands K. further from his goal, entangling him in red tape, odd local taboos, and a very awkward romance. And yet, the oblivious villagers have nothing but praise for their town’s bureaucracy, even as it stymies K.’s ability to complete one simple task.

Though Kafka tragically died before finishing The Castle, he cleverly presents his narrative through episodes rather than a single arc, letting his penetrating observations shine through the text even without a traditional ending.