An episode from 11/01/20: Tonight, I read two passages from Franz Kafka's The Trial: the fable known as "Before the Law," and the concluding scene, where Josef K. is executed. Kafka's ability to portray those who are powerless when faced with vast bureaucracy, or simply before the rituals of everyday interaction (which many also find impenetrable), is still so important to experience. The readings are taken from the recent translation of The Trial, by Breon Mitchell.

Don’t forget to support Human Voices Wake Us on Substack, where you can also get our newsletter and other extras. You can also support the podcast by ordering any of my books: Notes from the Grid, To the House of the Sun, The Lonely Young & the Lonely Old, and Bone Antler Stone.

Any comments, or suggestions for readings I should make in later episodes, can be emailed to [email protected].