‘The Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka

• Editor’s note: Lihu‘e Library’s Teen Advisory Board will contribute weekly book reviews of young adult general fiction. Next month look for winning book reviews from the teen book review contest.

“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” The first sentence of the classic tale “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka may intrigue and surprise readers, but the rest of the book is morbid and depressing.

The writing skill is superb and may only be surpassed by the sheer imaginative and thought-provoking concept of such a transformation. Although the execution was near perfect the story itself is enough to make the reader loathe Franz Kafka and all of the characters in his book.

I would suggest this book to anyone in the mood to read a tale of suffering and despair or anyone willing to take on the challenge of enjoying the writing while managing to pay no attention to the plot. The ending may surprise you — for better or for worse.

• Melissa Miner is an eleventh grader at Kaua‘i High School.