Rating: 
Summary: The light and the heavy
Review: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is a book which is difficult to describe, as one does not know how to label it. The novel provides many topics to which readers will react in various ways. They will also differ in their opinions about the most important topic. To me, the topics love, sex and friendship are the most important. In his novel Kundera gives a description of how deep emotions can express themselves, as for example by nightmares. He not only gives psychological insight in emotions, such as love, but gives philosophical information on them, too. Kundera for example tells in the book the story of Aristophanes by Platon. As the novel is set at the time of the Prague Spring, one also gets historical information. Although the story evolves around different fictional topics it could just as well be the story of real people, which for me is an attractive factor. Tomas, the male protagonist, falls in love with Teresa and marries her, while still having several one-night stands. Moreover, he maintains a love-affair with Sabina, who herself has one with Franz. Teresa is aware of Tomas' adulteries and can hardly bear the situation. For Teresa, love and sex go together, whereas Tomas believes that having sex without being in love is possible. The female protagonist therefore suffers from the heaviness of life, while her male counterpart feels the unbearable lightness of being. Teresa later tries to gain this lightness for herself. The description of emotions given by the omniscient narrator is not alien to me and I suspect will not be to other people either. Most of us carry the heavy and also the light, the expression of either part depending on character and circumstances. For that reason, one can identify with Teresa as well as Tomas and Sabina, too. I like the novel because the deepest emotions are frankly talked about. When I read the book for the first time the thoughts expressed on the three main topics resembled what I called the truth. As truth is subjective, not everyone will find his or hers in this novel. Still it is a book worth reading for it provides a stimulus for further thoughts on the topics, which for me are the essential ones of life.
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.
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