German literature

In the Penal Colony

“It’s a peculiar apparatus,” said the Officer to the Explorer. In the Penal Colony is a haunting novella by Franz Kafka that explores themes of justice, power, and […]

German literature

The Trial

“Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., for without having done anything wrong he was arrested one fine morning.” Chapter 1: Arrest Josef K., a senior […]

Russian literature

Dead Souls

“What a strange, alluring, and provocative title—Dead Souls! And what a strange, alluring, and provocative work itself!” Part 1 Chapter 1 Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, a middle-aged gentleman of […]