America

Franz Kafka

Traducteur e-artnow

Maison d'édition: e-artnow

Synopsis

Franz Kafka's novel "America," originally published posthumously in 1927 as "Der Verschollene," is a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience and the search for belonging in a foreign land. Characterized by Kafka's signature blend of absurdity and existential inquiry, the narrative follows the young protagonist, Karl Rossmann, who is sent to America after a scandal involving a seduction. The book delves into themes of alienation, identity, and the often elusive promise of the American Dream, utilizing a satirical style that critiques both American culture and European values during the early 20th century. Kafka, a Prague-born Jewish writer, often grappled with feelings of dislocation and the complexities of societal expectations. His own experiences navigating bureaucratic systems and existential crises are reflected in the idiosyncratic characters and surreal settings that populate "America." This work is indicative of Kafka's broader literary ambitions, representing a departure from traditional narratives and a deep engagement with modernist themes of isolation and absurdity. "America" is a compelling read for those intrigued by the intricacies of identity and the undercurrents of societal critique in literature. Kafka's unique narrative style invites readers to reflect on their own experiences in a world shaped by displacement and the search for meaning, making it an essential text for understanding both the author's oeuvre and the human condition. This translation has been assisted by artificial intelligence.

Disponible depuis: 17/01/2025.

Longueur d'impression: 210 pages.

Fiction contemporaine

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

La Peau de Chagrin

Honoré de Balzac

La Peau de Chagrin (The Magic Skin) is one of Honoré de Balzac's most haunting and imaginative masterpieces—a spellbinding fusion of fantasy, philosophy, and social realism. As part of his monumental series La Comédie Humaine, this extraordinary novel explores the intoxicating lure of desire, the relentless passage of time, and the devastating cost of unchecked ambition.

The story follows Raphaël de Valentin, a young aristocrat reduced to despair by poverty, disappointment, and unfulfilled dreams. On the brink of ending his life, he stumbles upon a mysterious antique shop where he acquires a strange piece of shagreen—a magical skin that grants its owner any wish. But the gift comes with a terrible condition: with every desire fulfilled, the skin shrinks, and so does the span of the owner's life.

At first, Raphaël embraces the talisman's power, indulging in wealth, pleasure, and social triumph. He rises rapidly in Parisian society, gaining the luxury and recognition he once craved. Yet as his wishes come true, he realizes the horrifying truth—the more he lives, the closer he moves toward death. The shrinking skin becomes a visible symbol of his diminishing existence, a constant reminder that every fulfilled desire exacts an irreversible price.

Through this powerful allegory, Balzac crafts a profound meditation on human longing and the fragile balance between ambition and restraint. The novel delves deeply into themes of materialism, excess, destiny, and the nature of happiness. Is life defined by the intensity of experience, or by the discipline to resist temptation? Can unlimited power ever lead to fulfillment, or does it inevitably destroy the one who wields it?

Balzac's portrayal of 19th-century Paris is vivid and incisive, exposing a society driven by status, wealth, and restless aspiration. The city becomes both playground and trap—a dazzling stage where dreams are pursued but rarely satisfied. Alongside the supernatural element, the novel offers sharp psychological insight and biting social commentary, hallmarks of Balzac's literary genius.

At once fantastical and deeply realistic, La Peau de Chagrin bridges Romantic imagination and emerging literary realism. Its blend of mysticism and moral reflection gives the narrative a timeless quality, resonating with readers across generations. The shrinking talisman stands as one of literature's most powerful symbols—a reminder that life's greatest danger may not be suffering, but unrestrained desire.

Dark, philosophical, and intensely human, La Peau de Chagrin remains a captivating exploration of ambition's promise and peril—a story that asks what we would sacrifice to have our wishes granted, and whether the fulfillment of every dream is worth the price of our soul.

Voir livre

Chameleon’s Gambit

Babette Durso

Trust is a dangerous game. And someone is playing to win. 
Nothing about this world is what it seems—and neither are the people in it. 
Behind every move lies a hidden motive. Behind every face… another identity. 
As deception tightens its grip, the line between ally and enemy disappears. Every choice becomes a risk. Every truth could be a lie. 
And someone is always one step ahead. 
In a high-stakes game of manipulation, power, and betrayal, survival depends on seeing through the illusion before it’s too late. 
But when the masks start to slip… 
who can you really trust?

Voir livre

Revel

Bryce Oakley

Billie and Vero are getting married and the gang's all here, even the only two members left of the Singles Girl's Club, Isla and Freya. When the wedding planner mixes up reservations for the wedding, party girl Isla and jaded artist Freya find that they're either sharing the very last room available or one of them is sleeping out on the beach. There's just one teeny-tiny problem—the room has one bed. But they're mature adult friends who can handle a sleepover. Right? What happens when love is in the air and suddenly, kissing one of your closest friends seems like the world's best idea? Get your sandals out for a beachy friends-to-lovers novella with one last sweet ending to The Shrikes' love stories.

Voir livre

All I Want for Christmas

Rebekah Pace, Alexis J. Pride

James sells toys. He’s a workaholic and he’s made a very good living, even if his wife and four children don’t appreciate it. Truth is, his marriage is falling apart and he barely recognizes his kids. 
So when James’s youngest daughter, seven-year-old Reba, asks God for a Christmas miracle to “fix” her family, something most unexpected happens—unexpected and horrible. The Christmas tree catches fire and the house burns down, taking with it all of their possessions. 
One bad thing leads to another as rock bottom gives way to new lows and the family is sent spiraling down a dark and unfamiliar path. Reba wonders if God decided to give her the very opposite of what she prayed for. 
Finally, separated and destitute, James and the family are left with absolutely nothing—nothing but a brand-new understanding of what’s actually important in life. 
Now James must rekindle his faith, learn what’s truly important to him, and find a way to win his family back. If he can pull it off, there may just be that Christmas miracle waiting for him.

Voir livre

The Omega's Mischief

Merri Bright

Vali has never desired a man, until today. But her curiosity may get her killed. 
When the madam of The Rutting Sow sends innocent Vali on a dangerous errand, she begs an old friend for help. To repay the favor, Vali ends up cleaning chamber pots for an upscale cathouse, The Frisky Kitten. 
She should go straight home, but it’s specials night at the Kitten, and every keyhole opens a world of new, naughty ideas. 
But when a mysterious man catches Vali watching and chases her through the night, she ends up running for her life…. and straight into a trap. 
Mischief, mayhem, and missing servants … is Vali the next to vanish? 
Narrated by Kit Swann, this short story is a prequel to The King’s Omega, a full-length historical fantasy why choose Omegaverse novel. While this story is only slightly naughty, the series is very steamy and for adult readers only.

Voir livre

Who is doing what? sudden attract

BARAKATH

Synopsis 
Who is doing what? Who is boiling the eggs in ice-cold water? Who is standing under a coconut tree that looks like a traffic light? Who is drinking coffee in a tea cup? Who was preparing for the exams that was cancelled six months ago? Who is carrying a pail of water to clean the beach? Who is using crayon to shade on OMR sheet? Who is going to buy a cap during a cyclone? Who is watching a movie in theatre without speakers? Who is shouting to chase eagles? Who is going to the forest to hunt using fork and spoon? Who is doing what? Who is going to the toilet on the 100th floor just to gargle? Who is going to the bank that is 100 kilometres from here just to deposit one dollar? Who is going to the moon faster than a crypto coin? Who is wearing a green shirt and a red pant for trading purposes? Who has no strings at all to practice guitar? Who is tackling a football that is three kilometres away? Who is heating a pail of water under the sun? Who is doing his kindergarten homework after passing BSc, after passing MBA? 
Sudden Space 
One sunny afternoon, John was driving his little red car. That was his favourite car. He was on his way to visit his grandma who lived on the other side of town. John was very excited because grandma always had the best cookies. John always loved eating as many cookies as he wanted. John sang happily as he drove. Driving to grandma's house, cookies and fun.

Voir livre