A HUNGER ARTIST (Penguin Archive) by Franz Kafka

A Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka was the last book published during his lifetime, and it captures some of his most profound and haunting themes — spiritual poverty, futility, alienation, and the struggles of the modern artist. The collection features four unforgettable stories: “A Hunger Artist,” “First Sorrow,” “A Little Woman,” and “Josephine the Singer, or the Mouse People.” Together, they reflect Kafka’s sharp insight into the human condition and his unique ability to blend allegory with emotional depth.

Franz Kafka personally edited the manuscript of A Hunger Artist just before his death in 1924, making it one of his most enduring works. Considered by critics as a culmination of his artistic vision, A Hunger Artist stands as a testament to Kafka’s literary maturity. This collection remains a powerful exploration of creativity, suffering, and the fragile search for meaning, solidifying Kafka’s place among the greatest voices in classic literature.