The Judgement (1912) By Franz Kafka

"I can't fashion myself into a different person who might be better suited to be his friend."

Published in 1912, 'The Judgement' is short story by bohemian novelist Framz Kafka, that details the relationship between a man and his father. The story may only be 16 pages long, but it is packed with narrative. Kafka tells his readers a lot in such a small number of words, although it must be said that I did not find this to be too much.

"Alone - do you know what that means?"

The story escalates suddenly and with violent speed. Kafka uses this sudden change in pace to bring about an effective and shocking climax to his story. There are, at least initially, some examples of Kafka's overwriting, but these are minimal and do not largely impact the pacing.

"Should he be advised to come home, to transplant his life and resume all the old friendships - nothing prevented this - and generally rely on the help of friends?"

For what it is, this story is very good. It conveys a story with a surprising amount of depth and development for its brevity, without being convoluted or overly clustered. I could very happily have read further pages, such was my investment in this work of fiction.

"So now you know what else existed in the world outside of you, before you knew only about yourself!"