Rating: Summary: Profound, insightful, brilliant Review: Tomas muses over the German adage "Einmal ist kienmal." -- "One time doesn't count." His dilemma is that because you only get to live your life once, your Being lacks gravity, and this Lightness is hard to bear. The novel traces Tomas's journey in coming to terms with this reality. By the way, although it features the wonderful Daniel Day Lewis, it is almost impossible to discern the point of this book from the movie of the same name.
Rating: Summary: I read "Unbearable Lightness" something just clicked Review: I just discovered Milan Kundera (I know, a little late) and my latest story is an imitation of his style on the subject of physical attraction. I've always liked novels where the authorial voice sprinkles a lot of relevant philosophy and insightful comment on the action. (like Tolsoi, Dostoyevski, not like Rebecca Goldstein) and when I read "Unbearable Lightness" something just clicked for me. Like a big "AHA! This is how you incorporate authorial insight in the 90s!"
Rating: Summary: Simply Brilliant Review: Brilliantly lucid, original, and powerful, this is quite simply one of the very best novels ever written.
Rating: Summary: Understanding the Book Review: The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a truely incredible book, something that comes along once in a while. If you are able to get past the rude and crude every day world exhibited in this book, and look at it through a metaphorical level it offers us what we have all been looking for.
Rating: Summary: The Unbearable Weight of Kundera's Ego Review: I never thought I'd say this: this novel made a much better movie. Why? Because Kundera didn't write it. Although considered a virtuoso by many, Kundera can't tell a story without reminding you he's telling a story. Tereza, Tomas, and Sabina never come to life because the author of their story refuses to share the limelight with anyone. Over and over, Kundera adds his observations and such just when the story is beginning to roll. Furthermore, he's a condescending ass: how many scenes do you have to explain to us, Milan? Also, this Czech is definitely male: his women fall into the boring, old saint and sinner categories. Finally, if you've read Sartre, Nietzsche, or any philosopher claiming to be an existentialist, Kundera's philosophy is tedious rehash.
Rating: Summary: The truth of lightness Review: The core theme of Kundera's book--that it is the lightness of life, not the heaviness, which is tragic and thus unbearable--is concise, simple, and true. We are not burdened with duty and meaning. People often refer to this book as "stylized" or "contrived" but I don't think that's accurate. It's literature and philosphy simultaneously, and it's self-conscious of that. It is a product of a twentieth century sensibility even as it overcomes the trappings of one age and strives for timelessness. A masterpiece. Please read it.
Rating: Summary: Highly graphic and unstoppable reading Review: I'm meant to read this book for class in two years so I decided to get a head start. I think it will be interesting to study, Kundera is a very interesing author. The only problem is that I can't find any kind of cliff notes which I need to help me understand some parts of the book.
Rating: Summary: Kundera revealed what is the real tregedy in our life Review: Imagine. You had numerous mistresses and were a admired medical doctor. You had one woman in your house who came from countryside, who is not so stylish but annoying and demanding. Now She asks you to be with her giving up ohter things you achive.What will you choose? When I closed this book and guessed Thomas's life, I realized that I could not live like him. i am weak. He is strong, because he knows that life is once and it's as light as air. We realize that life and love is most important than anyother stuffs only after we throw it off to achive other trivia. That's a real tragedy of modern life. Kundera showed me this well enough.
Rating: Summary: Please Read This Book Review: There are things in our lives that need explaining, things we don't understand. Kundera understands them. He understands life and love and he describes them in such a fashon that it hits home for everyone. You read it and you see yourself, you see lovers that have betrayed you, and the reason people do the things they do. It will evoke tears, happiness...it will satisfy you in a way few other books can. Just read it, you will not regret it.
Rating: Summary: Kundera delights Review: Kundera conveys the pathos of life with a wit and sense of the absurd that is second to none. His honesty with regard to the mundane exalts the quotidien, and at the same time forces the reader to ponder their own existence, its foibles and joys. The author does not follow either a standard narrative voice, or even a sequetial unfolding of the plot. Some may find this off-putting, but I found the gradual revelations engrossing and ultimately fulfilling at the novel's close. Full marks - modern writing doesn't get much better than this Reccommendations The Shipping News - E Annie Proulx, Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy, Underground - Don DeLillo
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