Written in 1919, this long letter is addressed by Kafka to his father, Hermann, though it seems never to have been delivered to him. In it Kafka examines his childhood and adult life, describing a father who was strong, loud and confident, and a son who felt small, anxious and judged. He discusses upbringing, religion, work, friendship and his failed attempts to marry. The tone is careful and often fair-minded, as Kafka tries to understand as well as accuse. It is a moving personal document and a key to the themes of authority and guilt in his fiction.