61 pages 2 hours read

Milan Kundera

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is set during Czechoslovakia's Prague Spring and the subsequent Russian invasion, exploring the intertwined lives of Tomáš, Tereza, Sabina, and Franz. The novel delves into philosophical themes of duality, the nature of love and desire, and documents sociopolitical changes and dissident activity during the 1960s and 1970s. Topics of persecution and infidelity are included.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being is lauded for its deep philosophical insights, complex characters, and richly woven narrative. Critics appreciate its exploration of existential themes and the human condition. However, some find its philosophical digressions challenging. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its intellectual depth and stylistic elegance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

A reader who enjoys philosophical introspection, existential musings, and complex character studies would appreciate The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. Fans of works like Albert Camus's The Stranger and Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment would find Kundera's exploration of themes such as love, politics, and identity engaging.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Values/Ideas: Literature

Values/Ideas: Art

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Romance

Topics

Philosophy

Period

Existentialism