Comments on: Milan Kundera: The Unbearable Lightness of Being

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:52:53 +0000

I’m not sure I would push you into reading this one, Max. I both liked and didn’t like it. It was a quick read, and it did pay off, but I can’t see myself getting much out of it on a second read. If you do decide to read it, I’m anxious for your thoughts.

By: Max Cairnduff

Max Cairnduff — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:40:58 +0000

Curses, that was me at post 7.

By: pechorinsjournal

pechorinsjournal — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:40:10 +0000

Fascinating writeup Trevor, I found it very interesting. I’m still not sure about this one, but I may now take a look whereas before I had no intention of doing so.

By: Stewart

Stewart — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:59:01 +0000

I've only read one Kundera myself, Ignorance, and it was certainly a memorable experience at the time. I don't think I'd ever come across a book that, aside from its main thread, digressed so much in unusual and interesting ways. I don't know why I've never returned to him, although I do have The Unbearable Lightness Of Being and Immortality sitting there on my shelves.

By: _lethe_

_lethe_ — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:08:41 +0000

Beautiful review for another great book.

I saw the film first, and because I loved it, I borrowed the Dutch translation from the library. I remember reading very slowly to savour every word. Later on I bought the English translation in a lovely Faber & Faber hardcover.

I have Immortality on my to-be-read list, recommended by a friend of mine.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:48:36 +0000

I will admit that Kundera is one of those authors who absolutely defeats me. I have read this book twice and cannot remember anything about that. Having said that, we don’t all have to like every book and I enjoy the comments from those who appreciate this author.

It is indeed strange that Chabon’s Pittsburgh book gets to be part of this series. I can’t imagine what the publishers were thinking.

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:06:33 +0000

Thanks, Laura. I’m anxious to see what Kundera you choose. I know next to nothing about his other books, so maybe Andy or someone else who has read more of his work can recommend something other than The Unbearable Lightness of Being if there is a better starting place. Either way, I hope you’ll return and share your thoughts!

Andy, thanks also! And thanks for the link. I’m not sure I’m going to get to more Kundera any time soon, but your thoughts have helped me realize that his work doesn’t stop with this title. I’ll have to see what else there is to get whet my appetite.

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:28:27 +0000

Well done Trevor. It is great to see Milan Kundera getting a review on your site. It
seems that you took a lot from this book. It certainly had a big influence on me when
I read it 15 years ago, as I could not put Kundera down until I had finished all of his works. And I have continued to enjoy his novels since. Hopefully there will be more to come. There is so much to enjoy with this work (ideas, structure, style, story). For me it is almost the perfect novel and you have encouraged me
to get it back off the shelf. Wonderful stuff. He has, of course, been back in the news recently and it is great to
see that he receiving the full support of his literary peers.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081103/en_afp/czechfranceliteraturecommunism

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:40:34 +0000

This was an excellent review. I’m planning to read “something by Kundera” in December. I am not sure what, yet, but this book is a strong contender. It’s good to know what I’ll be getting into. It sounds like a good book, but not my usual type of read.