The Trial was written in 1914 and 1915 but published in 1925, a year after Franz Kafka’s death. This story follows a respected bank official named Joseph K. One morning, he wakes up to find himself being arrested by higher officials of the state. He now must defend himself against a charge he knows nothing about, and the officials refuse to give him any information. They tell him he can continue with his life, going to work and doing other things, but he will have to attend the trials, and they have the authority to put him in prison anytime they want.

When Joseph K visits the court, he finds out everything is more set up than he could ever imagine. Everything feels like it’s already been decided whether he is the culprit or not. He has no say in any of these situations. They do not tell him what his crimes are, but they are convinced he is the criminal. The anxiety and uncertainty begin to drive Joseph K crazy. He starts to believe he might actually be the culprit after all.

This story is surrealistic and existential. Kafka criticizes the state and the authority it has over the common people. How people are helpless in the face of higher powers deciding their fate. How careless they are when dealing with people’s lives. This is a deep and thought-provoking novel portraying the chilling truth about modern society and bureaucracy, and this classic should be read by everyone.

-Ariana