Jewish Book Club discussion

This is a nonfiction selection, more "intellectual" than many of the books on our shelves but, still, for the general public. A change of pace.

Would/should Kafka's papers go to Israel, to Germany, or to the daughter of Kafka friend Max Brod's last secretary/paramour? The book looks at the claims, the history, and the process. Informative, if drops a few too many names.

Kafka's books aren't what I'd call happy reading, but a book about him and his books is a something else again. It's not your typical light fiction, but if you enjoy nonfiction, and one that follows the facts of a case, consider giving Kafka's Last Trial a try.

I did not know so much about Kafka that this book. I never even thought of him as Jewish. His books are not happy reading but I will appreciate them more now that I’ve read this nonfiction, biography, history and book about books. Interesting insight into how an author’s literary legacy can be such a legal mess. I recently read a fiction book about a man who has been appointed the executor of a deceased authors literary legacy.

Kristel wrote: "I did not know so much about Kafka that this book. I never even thought of him as Jewish. His books are not happy reading but I will appreciate them more now that I’ve read this nonfiction, biograp..."

Hi Kristal,
You are so right Kristal. Kafka's books are unhappy which reflects him and in some works- his paranoia. Actually, the executor of Kafka's will was instructed in writing to destroy a few of his specific books upon his death but he refused to do it.
I chose not to read this at the time, but I'm sure this is in the book.
I went to a lecture about his history a long time ago. I wanted to understand more of work and really wanted to know why "Kafkaesque" was coined.
Ha, no wonder his books are "unhappy". This author had a few issues. :)

Stacey B wrote: "... oks are unhappy which reflects him and in some works- his paranoia. Actually, the executor of Kafka's will was instructed in writing to destroy a few of his specific books upon his death but he refused to do it. ..."

Not only that, but his friend actually had to complete (most of) the books, which makes me wonder if the books should be considered by both of them. Hope I'm remembering that part correctly!

Kristel wrote: "I did not know so much about Kafka that this book. I never even thought of him as Jewish. His books are not happy reading but I will appreciate them more now that I’ve read this nonfiction, biograp..."

I'm happy you read this, Kristel. I'm not alone! For a general readership nonfiction can seem like a tough sell, but we like to balance our bookshelf. Thanks for your comment.

Kafka was living in crazy times, so, paranoid and with issues? Or, a sensitive instrument vibrating with (or ahead of) his times? That could be what made it so hard for him to write.

Now that you mention not having thought of him as Jewish, I may not have either. Is it fair to say that once he attained genius status he was sort of "hijacked" and universalized?

P.S. Hey, Kristel, you're right that it's a "book about books." I actually have a shelf by that name but had forgotten to add ...last trial to it until I read your comment. Thanks! :)

Perhaps this reference to The Metamorphosis should be posted with my review! 😮
https://forward.com/schmooze/545513/c...

This book was at its best in its recounting of the Israel scenes. I found it a little in the weeds when talking about the relationship between Brod and Kafka. Brod did not come across as very likeable, nor did his heirs. It is interesting to ponder the question of where is the rightful home of Diaspora literary treasures. This question is also explored in Matti Friedman's The Aleppo Codex: The True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the International Pursuit of an Ancient Bible, which touches on some similar issues.

Yes, I've read that too, Perlie. Didn't like whatever happened to that Codex at the end!

For some reason I like Balint even when he's weedy. In fact I had recently read The Trial, and actually enjoyed reading about Kafka more than reading him. He's so dark! Of course he's in translation, and we now know that part of the book is Brod!

Balint has a new one I was interested in on Bruno Schultz, about whom I know nothing but he makes me want to. ....In fact when I looked at Amazon just now, I see he's becoming quite prolific!

...re Benjamin Balint, his new one is Bruno Schulz: An Artist, a Murder, and the Hijacking of History. I saw where Mosaic had listed it a best book of the year. And The New Yorker has one of their long essays on it -- or on Schulz -- in a recent issue.

Jan wrote: "...re Benjamin Balint, his new one is Bruno Schulz: An Artist, a Murder, and the Hijacking of History. I saw where Mosaic had listed it a best book of the year. And The New Yorker h..."
I'm going to look for that in my local library!

I think I checked with mine, and they didn't have it. I have had some luck, though, with requesting them to get certain books.

I may do the audio. But would still need the hard copy to go along with it.