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biolexicon's review against another edition
5.0
Part of the way through any book, I usually get a good feeling about how many stars I'm going to give it. I finished this one and thought to myself, "I have *no* idea." Maybe it was a mistake to read this before reading any of Kundera's novels.
The book was dense, but his ideas are intriguing. Provocative, really. I don't use that word very often because most works that are provocative are aiming to be so, which seems dishonest. But this book doesn't fit that, it seems honest.
I've decided to give it 5 stars. There are a number of ideas presented that I disagree with (pages 6, 83, 104, 127, 140 to be exact). I could even be persuaded that he's absolutely full of shit (it's possible to be honest and full of shit both). But the work was provocative, held my attention and made me think. Having done that, I think it's worthy of 5 stars.
The book was dense, but his ideas are intriguing. Provocative, really. I don't use that word very often because most works that are provocative are aiming to be so, which seems dishonest. But this book doesn't fit that, it seems honest.
I've decided to give it 5 stars. There are a number of ideas presented that I disagree with (pages 6, 83, 104, 127, 140 to be exact). I could even be persuaded that he's absolutely full of shit (it's possible to be honest and full of shit both). But the work was provocative, held my attention and made me think. Having done that, I think it's worthy of 5 stars.
andriawrites's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge fan of Kundera's writing, and I just love reading his essays and marveling at how his writing is just so unique and evocative in both fiction and non-fiction. Reading these essays on not only other European literary works by the likes of Cervantes and Rabelais, but on Kundera's writing philosophy as well, makes one think about the time, effort and thought that goes into planning, developping and writing an excellent novel. "The Art of the Novel" is full of wise advice for any aspiring writer, whether that be fiction writing or academic. I think it's a shame that literary essays aren't studied as often as works of fiction usually are. Reading essays and deconstructing them helps writers and readers become better writers and readers, as well as giving everyone a better sense of how to argue in writing and get your point across, a skill, I believe that has largely been forgotten by many outside of academia.
Overall, it was enjoyable to get a glimpse into Kundera's mind; this collection features "dialogue" interviews, his own personal essays and his acceptance address when he received the Jerusalem Prize in 1985. My favourite essay has to be "Sixty-three Words", where he tackles the problems of translation and gives his translators and editors a list of his own "definitions" for 63 words that appear constantly throughout his work. I think it's refreshing when a modern writer has the guts and courage to reclaim and change words from their accepted definitions. Kundera is an admirable writer not only in his writing, but in his attitude about writing. And I love that!
Overall, it was enjoyable to get a glimpse into Kundera's mind; this collection features "dialogue" interviews, his own personal essays and his acceptance address when he received the Jerusalem Prize in 1985. My favourite essay has to be "Sixty-three Words", where he tackles the problems of translation and gives his translators and editors a list of his own "definitions" for 63 words that appear constantly throughout his work. I think it's refreshing when a modern writer has the guts and courage to reclaim and change words from their accepted definitions. Kundera is an admirable writer not only in his writing, but in his attitude about writing. And I love that!
amjwarburg's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
ryeo's review against another edition
قراءة متأنية حتى الصفحة 66 ..ثم رأيت أن لا طائل من قرائتها بتأني ، تصفح سريع لما تبقى من الصفحات =)
johnnynolen's review against another edition
5.0
Truly one of the best works on the history, philosophy, and psychology of writing. Not an all encompassing how-to stretched and thinned over grammar and emotional evolution alike, but a pointed and almost lamenting exploration about the sunsetting art of exploring what it means to exist, combined with a tight and casual indictment of post modern media culture, of the no thought of received ideas. If I could give six stars I would.
frabanzi's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.0
Unfortunately this is my least liked out of his books I have read