Kafka and the Traveling Doll : Book Review

 

Book Review

Title: Kafka and the Travelling Doll
Author: Jordi Sierra I Fabra
Genre: Fiction

It is said that a year before Franz kafka's death, he stumbled upon a girl named Elsi in a park in Berlin. Elsi had lost her doll Brigett. .Moved by her tears, Kafka introduces himself as a postman who delivers letters to children. He embarks on an expedition to write a letter to Elsi from Brigett. What starts off as a letter, eventually leads to a series of the same. This mission is a transformational journey for Kafka both as a person and writer, as he gains a new found purpose and vigor during the last few months of his life. 

The book captures Franz Kafka's dilemma of wanting to please the little girl. At the same time, it raises certain concerns about the repercussions of his actions on the girl.  His motive to see the girl's happiness depicts a certain kindness that lies beneath that eccentric exterior of his. Kafka's brilliance in his imagination and lyrical style is seen in the letters that he writes to the girl from her doll. It transports the readers to places around the globe including London, Paris, Vienna and Tanzania. In a way, Kafka creates an imaginary world, traversing into the realm of another reality. 

This endearing fable imparts a profound message of growing up, saying goodbyes, moving on and embarking on a new beginning. Along with spurts of philosophy, the writings capture the emotions of the girl and the author, making it a tear jerker. Change is clearly the major theme here. The story also addresses the nuances of fears and freedom.  The emotions evoked in the reader can be compared to the emotions experienced while reading Rabindranath Tagore's 'Kabuliwala', where change, farewells, new beginnings are some themes in the story. 

Kafka and the Travelling Doll is a profound and a heartwarming read that leaves you with moist eyes. 


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