Book Review: Metamorphosis By Frank Kafka

In physics one would say, " You dont have to be an Einstein to figure that out." In literature, they say, " You don't have to a Kafka to figure that out."

I picked this book up from the library after someone recommended it to me. Its a very thin paperback, of about 70 odd pages. For a book so highly acclaimed it is really an easy read.

In this 70 pages, Kafka illustrates sharply, how some parents shrug off their responsibilty over their children, hiding behind their right to filial piety. These parents also have a tendency to believe that they own their children and that their children are really a insurance policy to cover their old age. In Singapore, everyone works hard, regardless of age. There are of course those with children though, who secretly covet an early retirement. Agreed, retirement is justified if one has worked hard enough or has amassed enough wealth to sustain their lifestyles or their children's hopes for a good future perhaps via a good education. This book however shows, the stark reality of some youth who find themselves with no support from their parents who start giving excuses about some physical ailment, at the slightest hint of their child showing signs of employability. To these youth, education becomes something you have to 'lucky' to get. They are told instead to go and work, after secondary school or a little after. I heard a shocking story of a girl who has now finished her degree. Her mother-the woman we are all told to revere deeply, due to the fact that she carried us in her womb for 10 months, told her to stop studying after secondary school. She was told to work and not bother with school, or go to school but pay all the fees herself. I do not understand these parents. It is alright for the poor to get married, but why have children when you cannot afford it? One should not expect his offspring to be bound by his limitations or desires or ablities or lack of abilities.

There is a thin line between respect for parents and utter subservience to them. In this book, after the elder son is debilitated, he loses all acceptance in his family. His sister though, is viewed with fresh interest, due to her 'young nubile body', and her marriageable age. Her marriage would mean that they are supported by their their in laws.

I don't understand parents who are lazy to work hard for the family's future. You want to be lazy and it affects no one but yourself, thats fine. But the moment you make a commitment to a family, a wife and children thereafter, you lose the right to consider your own preferences. You have to ensure the survivability of your children and do your utmost to ensure their potential does not go to waste. Children are not your insurance policy, they are not farm animals you rear to provide for you when you decide to call it quits. They take care of you not out of obligation but out of love for you.

Anyhow, this book is a good read. If you are interested, there are copies in most libraries.