Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Not an enjoyable book, but certainly one that has a lot to say. I want to read an analysis of it, because I feel like I have no idea what it was truly about. Very thought provoking though, in many ways...

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carmentxx's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

my friend told me that this book is quite well known to be pretentious. that annoying philosophers philosophise about it without the slightest clue. and i could see how that’s the case. but really, i think this book is a beautiful and masterful meditation on the tragedy and beauty of human existence. everything we do ultimately leads to nothing, yet we do everything with the utmost self importance. is it that self importance which keeps us living? the studies of the four characters truly felt like meditations on different paths of human life, and i think that is a great achievement.

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perpetually_isolated_being's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

"Human life occurs only once, and the reason we cannot determine which of our decisions are good and which bad is that in a given situation we can only make one decision we are not granted a second, third, or fourth life in which to compare various decisions."

Complex yet artistically written, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' delves into the intricate lives of four individuals (and a dog), weaving a narrative that explores the interconnectedness of their existence against the backdrop of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. This historical event profoundly influences the irreversible choices they make and the consequential burdens they must bear.

The author exhibits a nuanced perspective on the structure of human relationships, delving into their complexities, including the connections with God and nature. Throughout the book, there are moments when the author interrupts the narrative to introduce his own philosophical discussions and meticulously examines each character.

This book is probably one of my most complicated yet insightful reads of this year.

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raeviews's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Kundera's writing is so engaging and he is very skilled at weaving together ideas. He was also successful in his blending of philosophical musings and plot. My main gripe with this book is the messaging around gender. Also, he was very ambitious with the sheer amount of ideas he touched upon in this book, and some of them I felt weren't fully developed. I was interested the insight he provided into living through the aftermath of the Prague Spring. Kind of wish there was more about Prague in the book. Overall, though, I found this book to be really enjoyable. Had lots of interesting insights about romantic relationships, family, and politics, and a great narrative voice. There are some scenes in this book that I will definitely remember for a long time.

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kajasversion's review against another edition

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challenging slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I don’t t even know how to begin describing this book. I would dare to say it’s even more traumatising than Saltburn. None of the characters are lovable, every single one makes hurtful and selfish decisions, dragging eachother lower in life than them. Even after studying this book in school I cannot figure out what its point is. To me, it was a waste of my time. I barely made it through and I disagree with the level of praise it has received.

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ajhill24's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Just because something is beautifully written doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable.

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venusynth's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was an interesting read. The story has me saying, “Yes, but…” or “No, except…” I thought I would hate the characters upon learning their flaws. I couldn’t but I don’t love them either. There’s an unexplainable quality about this book that has me rate it 4 stars. Maybe its ability to keep me turning to the next page compels me to think of it highly. There was only one part that disturbed me, even when the premise is already upsetting.

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vasi83177's review against another edition

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absolute garbage book. the word "unbearable" accurately describes this book. sexist narrator. sexist characters. you could feel the hatred towards women in the way that they were portrayed. especially compared to male characters, which were depicted in neutral tone of voice. disgusting scenes. LOTS of gaslighting, mental and sexual abuse, lack of consent etc.

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