54 pages • 1 hour read
The Joke
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Czechoslovakia • 1960s
1967
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Joke by Milan Kundera, first published in 1967, follows Ludvik Jahn, who faces severe repercussions under the Czech communist regime after sending a playful postcard deemed politically subversive. Expelled from the Communist Party and university, he endures hard labor, personal struggles, and eventual disillusionment as he navigates a life filled with bitterness and attempts at redemption. The book includes suicide, suicidal ideation, an attempted rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Reviews & Readership
37,465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Milan Kundera's The Joke receives acclaim for its rich, complex exploration of individual vs. political identity, full of dark humor and satirical depth. Some readers, however, find the narrative dense and the characters less sympathetic. Still, it holds a strong place in modern literary canon for its insightful critique of totalitarianism.
Who Should Read The Joke?
Readers who enjoy deep philosophical inquiries, dark humor, and political satire will appreciate Milan Kundera's The Joke. Comparable to George Orwell's 1984 and Franz Kafka's The Trial, this novel appeals to those interested in the absurdities of totalitarianism and the complexities of human relationships.
37,465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jaroslav
Jaroslav
A childhood friend of Ludvik and a dedicated preserver of folk music traditions, who experiences disillusionment as the novel progresses.
Helena
Helena
A sincere and emotionally vulnerable woman stuck in a loveless marriage, who becomes involved with Ludvik and faces the consequences of her search for genuine connection.
Kostka
Kostka
A Christian man in an atheistic society, whose faith differentiates him from others and provides him with a distinct perspective on life and relationships.
336
Novel • Fiction
Czechoslovakia • 1960s
1967
Adult
18+ years
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