Ronald Reagan: The Pictorial Biography Book

Biography of Kafka by his best friend and literary executor, whose adoration shines through. He knew the man better than almost anyone, but on the other hand, couldn't possibly assess him objectively, or with the benefit of much hindsight.

Brod reveals a much happier and more positive aspect of his character than might be assumed from his works, although it also mentions his negative thoughts and feelings (especially re his father, anxiety and mixed feelings about marriage, and feelings that his writing was not good enough).

Also explains the Jewish subtext of some of his works (especially The Castle) and the effect of his relationships on his writing, especially with Felice, Melina and Dora.

Kafka loved Flaubert and Goethe, but generally preferred biography and travel books. He trained as a lawyer and worked in the civil service - very much reflected in his novels. He tried to live a very "natural" life (veggie, no medicine if poss, outdoor swimming etc).

Should Brod have destroyed Kafka's works?

Kafka famously told Brod that he wanted all his unpublished works destroyed. Brod told him he wouldn't do it. Kafka did not appoint anyone else as his literary executor instead, so maybe Brod is absolved of betrayal (as well as to be hailed for preserving wonderful works for posterity). However, I read this years ago, and don't recall now how fully Brod explained it.


See my Kafka-related bookshelf for other works by and about Kafka ().