Comment received from Dr. Walter H. Sokel                  Author of: Franz Kafka, Tragik und Ironie

Dear Phillip, I have read with great pleasure and interest your fine translation of "Nocturnal Deliberations" in the typed version you sent me last as well as your very illuminating and suggestive "Postscript." I like your way of translating very much, am quite excited about it, and find it essentially preferable to previous translations. Your version has a freshness and edge to it that come in my opinion closer to Kafka's spirit than previous versions. To be sure, there are a number of words and phrases that strike me as not English usage.  I marked them on the ms. and I could send you a list if you would like me to. But those are minor details. On the whole, the translation strikes me as most alive and exciting. I like the liberties you take. They strike me as enhancing the relevance of Kafka's text . Concerning your "Postscript' I fully agree with your stated aim of presenting a more subjectively rendered and experienced Kafka for contemporary global audiences. You rightly point out the global responsibility of any new translation into English. I do not quite feel the appropriateness of your distiinction between a canape and a couch or sofa. I for one cannot perceive the distinction. Also I believe the "Heiligen" are to stay to render Kafka's intention. He obviously wanted to make sure that the Samsa household is not to be seen as Jewish.  But those are minor squibbles within an overall enthusiastic agreement. Bravo! I want to thank you very much for letting me read your translation. With all good wishes, Walter

Comment received from Dr. Lucy Kunz

I really appreciate a fresh and vivid interpretation of both Plato and Kafka.  Phillip Lundberg's words challenge me to think again about (in part) familiar texts, and through the new juxtapositioning I feel that I have gained a much greater understanding of the literature which he has translated into his spunky English. Thanks!  -