Word: janouch
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Dates: during 1972-1972
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...Janouch, as if he knew what the Kafka critics would want, seems to press Kafka almost to the point of annoyance with questions about his writing. Part of the reason that the actual writings figure so little in the Conversations is Kafka's reluctance. When the subject is raised, he becomes embarrassed, tightens his lips and comes out with some epigrammatic statement about art in general which avoids mention of any specific aspects of his "spectres...
...times, Kafka in his role as an older advisor contradicts a statement of Janouch's, and the contradictions seem somehow more sincere than other sections where Kafka appears loath to force his opinions. At one point, Janouch comments at an exhibit of paintings that Picasso "is a willful distortionist...
...when Kafka finishes talking, he touches Janouch gently on the shoulder, and, saying goodbye, walks away for the last time, leaving Janouch with the image of an incredibly understanding prophet...
With the immediacy and fondness of personal experience. Conversations with Kafka conveys one man's image of Franz Kafka in terms that are indisputably real. While reading about him adds new significance to the writings, the Kafka Gustav Janouch knew would be important if he had never written a word...
KAFKA IN PRAGUE, a fat, too-expensive coffee table book, provides some photographs which make interesting illustrations for Janouch's book. There are many views of the places in Prague which Kafka and Janouch passed on their walks, of the halls and the facade of the Workman's Accident Insurance Association, of the churches and courtyards which inspired settings in The Trial...