All three of Kafka’s sisters were born in short succession in the house, whose name comes from the Italian “al minuto” (small goods were sold there): Gabrielle (Elli), Valerie (Valli) and Ottilie ...

Kafka addressed deep-seated emotions in his writings ... who facilitated the father’s behaviour and wasn’t around much for the children. His sister Ottla was his lifeline in crisis, and he had always ...