First published 2019
Gregor Samsa opens his eyes one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. The traveling salesman faces immediate problems beyond his bizarre physical change. He worries about missing work and losing his job. He fears his family will find him repulsive. Simple tasks become complicated ordeals. His parents and sister initially try to help, but their patience wears thin as days pass. Gregor struggles with basic questions about his identity while dealing with the practical challenges of his new form. His transformation forces everyone around him to confront uncomfortable truths about duty, love, and acceptance. The story examines how families respond to crisis and what happens when someone becomes a burden rather than a provider.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, 20th-century, psychological-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: burden-of-responsibility, fish-out-of-water
Period: 20th-century
214 pages · Paperback · Independently published
Content warnings: body-horror