One morning, a traveling salesman named Gregor Samsa wakes up to find he has transformed into a monstrous insect. His body is huge, hard-shelled, and covered in legs. Panic sets in immediately—he's late for work, and his family is knocking on his locked bedroom door. When he finally manages to open it, their shock and disgust set off a chain of events that locks Gregor away from the world he knew.

The Story

The story follows what happens after the change. Gregor's family is at first horrified, then resentful. He can't work anymore, so they have to take jobs and rent out a room to make ends meet. Gregor, now just a giant bug in a bedroom, listens to their struggles. They bring him food, but less and less, and the room becomes dirty and neglected. The real story isn't about how he changed, but about how everyone else changes around him.

Why You Should Read It

This book isn't really about a bug. It's about feeling alienated, used, and invisible in your own life. Gregor was just a tool to his boss and a provider to his family. When he stops being useful, he's treated like garbage. Kafka captures that deep, quiet anxiety of being a disappointment and a burden. It's a dark mirror held up to how we value people. Is it for what they do, or for who they are?

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who's ever felt misunderstood or stuck in a role they didn't choose. If you like stories that make you think about society, family, and identity—but don't want a dry philosophy lecture—this is your book. It's weird, it's sad, and it's surprisingly easy to read for something written over 100 years ago. Just be ready to feel a little uneasy afterward.