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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
The Joke is a witty exploration of the oppressiveness of communism, often disguised in subtler, more insidious forms.
It took me a while to get into the book, as I felt I needed to do a fair bit of extra research to fully grasp the nuances in the characters’ inner dialogues. I don’t think I would have appreciated the novel nearly as much otherwise.
I highly recommend reading this with someone you can discuss it with — having those conversations helped me catch themes I would have otherwise missed.
I highly recommend reading this with someone you can discuss it with — having those conversations helped me catch themes I would have otherwise missed.
For example, speaking with my friend on our takeaways from the book made me reflect on the distinction Kundera draws between living traditions and creative art. The regime bans new artistic expressions because they pose a threat, as they refuse to conform. But traditional rituals like the Ride of the Kings are allowed and even celebrated, because they’ve lost their original meaning. They’re safe performances, easily used as state propaganda. It’s a chilling reminder of how authoritarian systems hollow out culture.
two of Kundera's books are among my favorites of all time. i feel like he's so great at documenting the pain and cruelty of humanity, but also somehow incorporating levity and humor. this book has all of those elements that i love about his other books i previously read, though at times you can tell this is his first novel and doenst have all the same peaks. still loved this book that was both painful, introspective and hilarious
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Απέτυχε παταγωδώς να με κερδίσει παρά τις ολοφάνερα καλές προθέσεις του συγγραφέα, ίσως επειδή μου είναι συμπαθής ο Τρότσκι, δεν ξέρω :p
The Joke was meant for me, actually!
Kundera in purest craft!
Kundera in purest craft!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Milan Kundera writes beautifully, and The Joke is no exception.
With several parts, each narrated through a different character's point of view, the novel explores the dynamics of Communist Czechoslovakian society. The plot delves into the events that derailed Ludvik Jahn's life as a clever student and member of the Communist Party, into a criminal and outcast: all stemming from a joke.
The events leading to my first major disaster ... might well be recounted in a lighthearted and even amusing tone: it all goes back to my fatal predilection for silly jokes.
Indeed, Milan delivers on this and conveys a story of injustice and censorship in a tone that mixes cynicism with ridicule, rather than empathy.
The Joke presents us with this central question: Can terrible actions be excused by a painful past, and if not, is there reason to believe that one might be able to justify their wrongs in that way?
Most people deceive themselves with a pair of faiths: they believe in eternal memory (of people, things, deeds, nations) and in redressibility (of deeds, mistakes, sins, wrongs)... In reality the opposite is true: everything will be forgotten and nothing will be redressed.
Furthermore, it interweaves adjacent themes of faith or escapism, through religion and folklore. Does society need these to function and is one really that different from the other?
As long as people can escape to the realm of fairy tales, they are full of nobility, compassion, and poetry. In the realm of everyday life they are, alas more prone to caution, mistrust, and suspicion.
I found this novel dense with philosophical meaning and socio-political commentary. Its presentation of the folk rituals in Moravia was, to me, the cherry on top. A beautiful display embracing tradition, yet highlighting a growing disinterest in society - it felt very current in this way.
Overall, I believe this is the kind of book one needs to read at least twice to understand the multiple references made throughout its unraveling. I look forward to my second read!