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Kafka’s story of Loss and Change in Berlin

Forestwood
A balcony overlooking Berlin at Hotel Auberge

It’s the Small Things

“At 40, Franz Kafka (1883-1924), who never married and had no children, walked through the park in Berlin when he met a girl who was crying because she had lost her favourite doll. She and Kafka searched for the doll unsuccessfully but Kafka told her to meet him there the next day and they would come back to look for her.

The next day, when they had not yet found the doll, Kafka gave the girl a letter “written” by the doll saying, “please don’t cry. I took a trip to see the world. I will write to you about my adventures.”

Thus began a story which continued until the end of Kafka’s life.

During their meetings, Kafka read the letters of the doll carefully written with adventures and conversations that the girl found adorable. Finally, Kafka brought back the doll (he bought one) that had returned to Berlin.

“It doesn’t look like my doll at all,” said the girl.

Kafka handed her another letter in which the doll wrote:

“My travels have changed me.”

The little girl hugged the new doll and brought the doll with her to her happy home. A year later Kafka died.

Many years later, the now-adult girl found a letter inside the doll. In the tiny letter signed by Kafka it was written:

“Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way.”

Embrace the change. It’s inevitable for growth.

Together we can shift pain into wonder and love, but it is up to us to consciously and intentionally create that connection.

A beautiful idea to help children deal with loss and change. A simple act that has so much meaning.

Letter, stories and books often are of help to children deal with strong emotions.

Published by Forestwood

A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word. Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.

26 thoughts on “Kafka’s story of Loss and Change in Berlin”

  2. Very interesting & emotional words write in story. It’s advisable story. Nice “Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way.”! I like. Really true quote!

    Thanks, Amanda!

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  3. I shall pass this post on to the wonderful woman who saved my sanity 18 years ago, but whose specialty is childhood grief.

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    1. I do hope it helps her. Childhood grief can change a person and affect their whole life. I have two friends that are similar in this way- they still bear the scars of a mother lost to them at a young age.

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  7. The first part of this narrative is based memories of Dora Dymant, Kafka’s girlfriend. The ending and especially the last parapgraph are embilishments of the author (like the dialogue). The letters were never found. The story, like so many, is told over and over but there is no proof it really happened. But nevertheless, it’s a cute story.

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    1. Hi Bridget, Like many stories we long to hear that they are real or based on fact. Thanks for shedding light on the facts. To me, whether it is true to not, is irrelevant as the lesson in the story applies whether it is fiction or non-fiction. Change is part of life and few of us can live a life without loss and pain.

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      1. You are right. It doesn’t matter, lets just continue to spread headlines, stories, no matter if true or false. If we like the story or the picture, surely it’s worth it. A little bit of internet fame and some likes. How could we resist? Let’s not research anything anymore. Life it too short to worry about the truth (sarcasm off).

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      2. I did appreciate the facts and for this story it is irrelevant. And for many stories it is essential. I don’t think this is one of them. That certainly doesn’t mean that I disregard the truth in almost any other way.
        Do you think we should disregard the sentiment and lesson in this fictitious story simply because it is not true?

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      3. I think we all should start and let our readers know if we don’t know if it’s fiction or truth. Most of what we read online these days is not true, perhaps it would be a good start to be honest and show that “I don’t know” is not a bad thing after all, because we can’t know it all -even though some pretend.

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      4. I could label a post true or fiction, if necessary, but I hadn’t considered that was necessary in my writing or blog world as yet. Such a label could be easily be manipulated for malevolent reasons, anyhow. So I don’t think a label/statement would help.
        Perhaps it is more useful in the US? I assume (perhaps wrongly) that my readers are informed internet users who read objectively and broadly and judge my writing by doing their research if they deem it necessary. Something I often advocate in my posts. The comments are a good place to highlight what you have pointed out, Bridget. Thanks for that contribution.

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      5. I have assumed (perhaps wrongfully) that the bloggers I follow(ed) are good informed internet users who don’t kick the research can just down the road, but actually do their own homework. I guess we both just saw our mistake and can only wish each other well. Thank you for your honesty today, it was indeed an eye opener.

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      6. People have an inner need to ensure that their beliefs and behaviours are consistent. Inconsistent or conflicting beliefs may lead to disharmony, which many people strive to avoid.
        I take your point about a duty of research which I agree in part with, but I disagree I am abrogating my responsibility or ‘kicking the can.’
        Any “truth” can be diluted by cognitive dissonance and the effects of confirmation bias. I wrote about it here: https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2022/05/29/why-it-is-hard-to-change-opinions/
        Truth may be different for one person to the next. Everyone must judge for themselves according to their cultural and personality biases. It is nice when everyone agrees, but I think that by hearing contradictory views things can be learnt and different perspectives hitherto not contemplated, might (or might not) be revealed. We can disagree with each other and that is okay. The inherent difficult with the written word is also the lack of tone and non-verbal communication, which usually comprises much more within a message than the words themselves. Perhaps I haven’t communicated my position to you in the way that I intended?

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