LRB Diary for 2024: 52 Ways of Thinking about Kafka

In a year when everyone had the same disease, Patricia Lockwood found comfort in reading Kafka. She saw him as a way to work through her own problems and to use his hands. The London Review of Books is marking the centenary of Kafka's death with a collection of essays by writers including Elif Batuman, Alan Bennett, Judith Butler, Anne Carson, Amit Chaudhuri, Jenny Diski, Penelope Fitzgerald, Rivka Galchen, Jonatham Lethem, Adam Phillips, Philip Roth, Colm Tóibín, Marina Warner, and Kafka himself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

In a year when the world was plagued by a ubiquitous disease, finding solace in the words of Franz Kafka was a precious respite. She yearned to navigate through his writings, hoping to find strength and guidance, even if she couldn't conquer her own struggles. She saw his hands as a means to an end, a tool to wield and utilize, even if her own hands were unreliable.

As the centenary of Kafka's death approached, the London Review of Books embarked on a captivating exploration of the enigmatic writer's life and work. From his penchant for attention to the intricate details of his clothing, the article delved into the profound connections between Kafka and gay literature, as well as his influence on iconic works like The Lord of the Rings. It also examined his fascination with football and his unique perspective on BookTok, a platform that has transformed the way we consume literature.

A diverse array of writers, including Elif Batuman, Alan Bennett, Judith Butler, Anne Carson, Amit Chaudhuri, Jenny Diski, Penelope Fitzgerald, Rivka Galchen, Jonatham Lethem, Adam Phillips, Philip Roth, Colm Tóibín, Marina Warner, and even Kafka himself, contributed their insights and perspectives to this commemorative issue. Their essays and reflections shed light on various facets of Kafka's life and work, offering fresh insights and interpretations that deepen our understanding of this enigmatic figure.

Through their words, we witness the enduring legacy of Franz Kafka, a writer who continues to captivate and inspire generations with his profound and enigmatic writings. His ability to tap into the human condition, to explore the depths of fear, loneliness, and longing, remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. As we mark the centenary of his death, let us continue to honor his memory by delving deeper into his work, by engaging in meaningful conversations about his ideas, and by finding solace and inspiration in his words.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 156 x 218 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800819238
Edition number: Main