Ratings2
Average rating3.5
An interesting, if uneven, read. Its premise—a surreal, nightmarish world—has all the makings of a Kafkaesque tale, and indeed, Kubin's imagery and themes do evoke Kafka's absurdity and existential dread. However, the execution felt overly long, and I found myself losing interest about halfway through. The pacing drags in places, and the plot meanders more than it compels.
That said, Kubin's work is worth exploring for its cultural and historical significance. As a little-known artist and writer, his vision offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century surrealism, expressionism and anxiety. While it may not be the most engaging read for modern tastes, its importance as a precursor to the psychological and dystopian literature and art that followed makes it worthwhile, especially for fans of Kafka or anyone interested in surreal art and literature.