“Kafka and the Doll” by Larissa Theule, illustrated by Rebecca Green.
Viking Press, New York, N.Y., 32 pages, Grades 2-3.
Many great writers have troubled lives. There seems to be some kind of disconnection between the creativity demanded of writers and their ability to lead normal lives. Sometimes writers live on a different plane, feel deep emotional strife and write to release all these conflicting feelings. Franz Kafka was one of these writers. During his life, he suffered from tuberculosis and a sense of brooding sadness.
However, Kafka was moved by a child’s crying in a park in Berlin. This encounter will lead to a series of letters sent by Kafka to the little girl. This totally unexpected act of generosity is the story in Larissa Theule’s touching story, “Kafka and the Doll.”
Franz Kafka and his girlfriend Dora Diamant hurry across a park in Berlin. They encounter a young girl crying, and Kafka asks the child why she is so sad. In her tearful reply, she tells the writer she has lost her doll. Kafka is moved and asks the child her name. The girl replies: “My name is Irma.”
“What is your doll’s name?” inquires Kafka. Irma tells Franz the doll’s name is Soupsy. To console Irma, the author suggests that Soupsy is not really lost but is on a trip and will eventually come back from her trip. This makes Irma feel better.
The next day, Irma waits patiently in the park for Kafka. To fulfill his promise to Irma, Franz writes letters to her, describing Soupsy’s travels. This thrills the little girl and fills her imagination. She returns each day to the park and hopes to see the writer and to read about Soupsy’s journey. Soon, Irma is living through all the adventures Kafka is describing.
But one day Kafka begins coughing during a visit in the park. Irma tells Franz that his cough is very serious because her grandfather had a terrible cough and it never went away. The child begins fearing for Franz’s health. One day, Irma walks to the park but does not find Kafka in his usual spot. She worries that Kafka is sick and may not be able to return to the park. Finally, another letter comes. What does it say?
Does Kafka keep writing to the little girl? Is her doll ever found? How does the care and kindness that Franz shows the child help her?
Have you ever missed someone? Were you able to reconnect with them? What finally happens to Franz Kafka and Irma? To find out, go to the library and check out this warm and loving tale, “Kafka and the Doll” by Larisa Theule.
This book is based on true events in the lives of Franz Kafka and a crying child in Berlin. Given the gloomy, painful interior life of Kafka, his taking such an interest in the inconsolable cares of a little child is remarkable. The story is inspiring and the simple artwork is quite effective Kafka’s imaginative letters brought solace to Irma’s heart.
Larissa Theule shows us that reaching beyond our own troubles can lead to friendship based on love and kindness. If Franz Kafka could move beyond his own troubles by connecting with a heartbroken child, we should all be able reach out to others. I enjoyed the book and think you will as well. I hope that you go to the library and check out this lovely story of thoughtfulness.
