A Hunger Artist, Franz Kafka
A Hunger Artist, Franz Kafka
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A Hunger Artist
and other works

Author: Franz Kafka, Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol

Narrator: Various

Unabridged: 2 hr 51 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/12/2024

Categories: Fiction, Classic


Synopsis

Dive into the enigmatic world of Franz Kafka and Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol with the digital audiobook version of "A Hunger Artist and Other Works." This collection is a literary tapestry woven with three remarkable stories: "A Hunger Artist," "The Cloak," and "The Mantle."
A Hunger Artist:Experience the haunting tale of a man who turns starvation into an art form. As the hunger artist voluntarily withers away in a cage, the story explores the blurred lines between art, sacrifice, and the quest for meaning. Kafka's narrative delves deep into the psyche of the artist, unveiling layers of existential contemplation and societal scrutiny.
The Cloak:Gogol's satirical masterpiece, "The Cloak," takes you into the life of Akaky Akakievich, a humble civil servant whose world revolves around his worn-out cloak. When tragedy befalls him, the story becomes a poignant commentary on societal hierarchies, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the human need for dignity.
The Mantle:In "The Mantle," Gogol weaves a tapestry of absurdity and tragedy as the protagonist, Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin, experiences a surreal journey after acquiring a new overcoat. This tale explores themes of identity, social class, and the consequences of one's desires, blending humor with a deep exploration of the human condition.


About Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka (1883–1924) was one of the major fiction writers of the twentieth century. His unique body of writing-much of which is incomplete and which was mainly published posthumously-is considered to be among the most influential in Western literature. Among his most well known stories are "The Metamorphosis" and "In the Penal Colony," and his novels include The Trial and The Castle.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jeffrey on September 20, 2018

When . . . some leisurely passer-by stopped . . . and spoke of cheating, that was in its way the stupidest lie ever invented by indifference and inborn malice, since it was not the hunger artist who was cheating, he was working honestly, but the world was cheating him of his reward. The main char......more

Goodreads review by Sean Barrs on October 23, 2018

These four stories capture how easily art can drive the artist to death. Kafka is so good at what he does, but these have a slightly different flavour too them. They’re not what you would term as directly Kafkaesque; they have nightmarish qualities and oppressive undertones to them, but the characte......more

Goodreads review by Mark on May 25, 2025

The Hunger Artist is another trip down weird and wonderful lane with Kafka. This one is a beauty. The Hunger Artist is a professional faster. Yep, he starves himself for a living. For 40 days locked in a cage while the public gaze at his wretched shrinking body. Our protagonist is one of the best aro......more

Goodreads review by هدى on April 13, 2013

I am too overwhelmed to write , for i AM the hunger artist ! It's like watching yourself , your life , your decisions ,and above all your DEATH ! This is how i visioned my death ! I just didn't have any idea that another person knew how exactly it's going to be ! Kafka creeps the hell outta me . Seriou......more