The Metamorphosis

This is one of the few books that has ever managed to make me cry. The only word I can think of to describe the events that befall Gregor Samsa is tragic. The horror his family direct at him and the largely accepting response from Gregor is heartbreaking to read. I was particularly affected by the moment when Gregor hears his mother say she wanted to keep the furniture in his room as it was so everything remains the same and he suddenly can't understand how he tricked himself into believing he would be happier without the remains of his old life staying intact. Seeing the psychological changes he goes through throughout the story are fascinating as he both adapts to and rebels against his new existence. Overall just an amazing story.