Forgiving the Angel: Four Stories for Franz Kafka Hardcover – Deckle Edge, January 14, 2014

This brilliant, imaginative book profoundly meditates on Kafka and his influence. Anyone who has read Kafka or had her life somehow affected by the Czech master will appreciate this work. For those unfamiliar with Kafka's prose and major themes, the book might be a bit elusive as Cantor manages to weave in subtle, sly references to Kafka's writings throughout the text. Kafka's relationships with his literary executor and friend, Max Brod, and his relationships (or near relationships) with women are integral to three of the four sections. He also writes in a style--tone and language--that reflects Kafka's as well as many of Kafka's literary heirs (including Kundera...and Cantor himself?). Understand though, this is no gimmicky meta exercise or intellectual handstand. By looking at Kafka's influence on the various characters in three of the four sections (one is a presumed Kafka tale "lost" and found) Cantor is, by extension, looking at Kafka's influence on the millions of readers who have been deeply effected by his prose. There is no way to just read Kafka--you end up living and dialoguing with his novels, stories, parables and letters. Like the characters in the book, you find yourself struggling with his contradictions and obsessions, Part of the power of this work is drawn from this as the reader feels deeply connected with what transpires; a few of the stories are emotionally shattering (not in a cheap, sentimental way, though). There is no point in discussing plot because part of the book's beauty is in the sense of discovery. There are points of knowing recognition for Kafka readers and small revelations that will be stay with readers long after digesting the stories. As with all of Cantor's work, this reflects on the act of writing; by creating our narratives we make sense of who we are as well as who we are not. The world comes into focus. The act of writing--something sacred--is a way to memorialize, tell a story, interpret and, perhaps most importantly, transcend our banal, often brutal realities. When we write we are becoming and creating new realities. Cantor's sometimes conflicted reflection on Kafka and his world (ultimately, our world) is a great work of the imagination. Don't miss this book.

Cantor's skillful con structures are not pastiche, not criticism,not biography, but almost a fan's notes - the characters in Kafka's life and work are given sympathetic consideration and a chance to live on. Can someone enjoy these stories without prior acquaintance with The Trial, The Castle, The Hunger Artist and especially The Metamorphosis? Maybe; but without the backing fabric these embroideries lack substance and depth.

The stories are brilliant and beautiful, covering a sad history yet full of life, They are magically woven and perfectly balanced based on real people whose stories have been ficitonalized and made personal. The book is fiilled with profound observations on human nature and love. It is powerful, moving and very memorable. I am about to read it again!

Oh the dilemmas of the 20th century! Then the humanists had to take a back seat to everybody else. Kafka prevails now; thank you Jay.

My sister in law called and mention "what a great choice I'm intrigue" cannot wait. Goes into my must read file.

If you are a lover of Kafka, the twentieth century and the lost dreams of a better world, you will be moved and thrilled by Jay Cantor's most recent book. I read it in a day and a half and was transported by the beauty of its language, the depth of it characters and the power of its ideas.The book is set in some of the darkest times Europe (and the world) has faced, yet the author's humor and empathy illuminate the characters' complexities and give their stories a magicalcombination of heft and lightness.

FOUR AND A HALF AT LEAST- GREAT INTERWEAVING OF HISTORICAL, BIOGRAPHICAL & FICTIONAL MATERIAL!