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dorkaa's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
sofcalvo's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mrs_schwarz's review against another edition
4.0
Are we a product of our own or a reflection of what the others see us? Do we adopt traits that the others want us to have? Most importantly, why the others percieve and see us in a certain way?
Our true identity is never known to the other in front of us, mostly because we are not aware of our own identity. Constantly fluid, impossible to be definitively shaped, our identity is shaped by thoughts and emotions, as well as thoughts and emotions are shaped by our identity. In this vicious cycle our life experience stands above as a catalyst for the never ending relationship between inner forces.
How much is love influenced by the identity of the other? How close are we to idolize the other? How tempted are we to see the other as the center of the universe? Isn’t love the best way to make ourselves fragile, isolated from the world and vulnerable? What would happen if for a moment we wouldn’t recognize the other, that person that we have the illusion to know as much as ourself?
Kundera doesn’t answer any of these questions. He finds a way to pop them in your mind and abandons you in the struggle of finding the answers.
A very nice novel to explore our own perception of identity, communication and relationships.
Our true identity is never known to the other in front of us, mostly because we are not aware of our own identity. Constantly fluid, impossible to be definitively shaped, our identity is shaped by thoughts and emotions, as well as thoughts and emotions are shaped by our identity. In this vicious cycle our life experience stands above as a catalyst for the never ending relationship between inner forces.
How much is love influenced by the identity of the other? How close are we to idolize the other? How tempted are we to see the other as the center of the universe? Isn’t love the best way to make ourselves fragile, isolated from the world and vulnerable? What would happen if for a moment we wouldn’t recognize the other, that person that we have the illusion to know as much as ourself?
Kundera doesn’t answer any of these questions. He finds a way to pop them in your mind and abandons you in the struggle of finding the answers.
A very nice novel to explore our own perception of identity, communication and relationships.
sidharthvardhan's review against another edition
4.0
As a novel, it falls short in my opinion especially toward the end and won't have got more than 3 stars. As a peace of writing in general that discusses ideas it is a 5 star book. It could have been better if it was shorter even though it is one of Kundera's shortest novels. Don't make it your debut Kundera.
ladymirkwood's review against another edition
1.0
Despite it's small size, this was one of the most torturous, tedious books I have ever read. The characters are vague amalgamations of various neuroses, the dialogue is strained, and the overall effect was that of a story that didn't want to be written.
Overwrought dross of highest degree.
Overwrought dross of highest degree.
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
4.0
A brilliant, moving look at people and relationships. I read this years ago, but it did not mean as much to me then as it did later, when I realized I was in a relationship that had swallowed me. In some ways, others of Kundera's books have moved me more, but this one might have helped me the most in a difficult time. Kundera is a master of human interaction, and this is a highlight in his collection.
xtianxb's review against another edition
4.0
Una novela corta, me gustó mucho. La forma en que se narran los hechos hace que esperemos alguna clase de respuesta y nos preguntemos constantemente "¿cómo terminará ésto?
Se puede leer en 1 semana o menos sin problema.
Se puede leer en 1 semana o menos sin problema.