61 pages • 2 hours read
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Czechoslovakia • 1960s
1984
Adult
18+ years
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.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
495,484 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
495,484 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Czechoslovakia • 1960s
1984
Adult
18+ years
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