Great Works of Literature - The Castle, by Franz Kafka

Kafka’s The Castle follows K., a mysterious land surveyor who arrives in a village claiming to have been summoned by the authorities at the Castle. What begins as a seemingly simple mission quickly becomes a surreal struggle against an impenetrable bureaucracy, where rules are unclear, authority is everywhere, and every attempt to gain access only leads to another layer of confusion.

For September's our book club pick, we’ll explore Kafka’s darkly funny and strangely compelling world: What does the Castle actually represent? Is K. fighting an absurd system, or is he creating the struggle himself? And why does the novel remain so relevant to modern life, work, and institutions? Come ready for a conversation about bureaucracy, power, belonging, ambition, and the wonderfully frustrating experience of trying to get someone to just answer your email.

• Toronto Public Library (print, ebook, audiobook) https://tpl.ca/
• Libby App – borrow free digital books with your library card - https://libbyapp.com/
• YouTube -
• Amazon – print and ebook editions

We are enthusiasts who get together once a month to read and discuss the great works of classical literature. We will examine their stories, ideas, and timeless explorations of love, passion, and the human experience. Some of us are just beginning our reading journey, while others are more seasoned—but all are welcome in a relaxed, inclusive space built for curiosity, conversation, and a shared love of great books.

Sometimes you can't make it or want to chat to find out what the next book will be. Connect with our Whatsapp group by following the link below or scanning the QR code in the header images.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/DYn8QxiRrNO7lvBX7K4qwe?mode=gi_t

• Book 1 (Feb): A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemingway
• Book 2 (March): The Sea-Wolf – Jack London
• Book 3 (April): The Misanthrope – Molière
• Book 4 (May): Othello – William Shakespeare
• Book 5 (June): The Odyssey – Homer
• Book 6 (July): Steppenwolf - Hermann Hesse | Sunday, July 19 | 1:00–2:30 PM
• Book 7 (August): The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera | Sunday, August 23 | 1:00–2:30 PM
• Book 8 (September): The Castle - Franz Kafka | Sunday, September 20 | 1:00–2:30 PM

We look forward to meeting you and sharing a thoughtful, engaging conversation around some of the greatest books ever written.