Most likely the story came to the author in a dream. Its confusing and grotesque structure and characters remind me very much a nightmare. What if others would start publishing their own dreams, muddled as they are?

I think I should try the old translation. The new translation has a chapter of just leftover pages. It‘s my understanding the first translation was out together in order to be more fluid. I had a hard time with finding the point of the story. ( )

Josef K. is under arrest, and he doesn't know why. He works at a bank; he's a CFO. He is helpless in defending himself and figuring out the bureaucratic system. He is advised by a relative, a lawyer, a painter, and others. His path is unclear and absurd. Reading the book to its completion leads to more questions than answers. Some messages, themes, and concepts I wondered about while and after reading include:
Conventional wisdom doesn't give you a way out of the game of life.
Darkness is the reality for some people
Is it a sign of youth to care about one's image?
Is original sin part of the human dilemma?
Institutions designed to keep us on track often lead us astray.
Are we all standing at our own doors and not letting ourselves in?
Beware of mindless compliance.
You're probably getting in your own way.
Life is the trial
What does it feel like to be on trial for moral turpitude
Who are the conduits for meeting the influential people you need to further your life's goals?
There are so many contradictions in life
Are all bureaucratic organizations corrupt?
There are gatekeepers at different levels of authority.
Are we all caught up in the maze of life? ( )

המשפט הראשון מדהים. הפרק הראשון והאחרון נהדרים. הפרקים האחרים טובים כל אחד לעצמו, אבל ביחד הם לא ספר. זה לא רק שהספר לא גמור על ידי קפקא, זה שקפקא לא באמת ידע מה יהיה מבנה הספר ומה יהיה הסיפור. הוא ידע בדיוק מה הנמשל אבל לא ידע לספר את המשל. ואולי, קפקא כמו גאון אחר שמת צעיר, שוברט, ידע לכתוב פנינים קצרות ונכשל ביצירות גדולות. ולמרות כל זאת ספר חובה ( )

It is very difficult to read a book when you have had decades of it entering your consciousness through references and discussion. However, after taking a trip to Prague in 2015 and with an upcoming Smithsonian lecture on Kafka in December, I decided it was time I actually read THE TRIAL. After deciding which translation to buy I dove in and found myself a little put off at first. As I continued to read I got a feel for the writing and the style. I was impressed by the way the book makes you feel like you are lost in this unfathomable and unknowable situation. You give up the idea of logic and regular problem solving and just go along with Josef K. on his bizarre journey. Kafkaesque indeed. ( )