March / Kundera Reading Poll

[Scheherazade]

Please vote for the Milan Kundera book you would like to read the during March here

by

February 28th!

The aim of the Book Club is to read and discuss new books together with other members.

Please try to avoid from voting for the books you have already read and/or do not intend to (re)read with us.

Thank you!


The Unbearable Lightness of Being (http://www.amazon.com/Unbearable-Lightness-Being-Perennial-Classics/dp/0060932139/sr=8-1/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)

The Book of Laughter and Forgetting (http://www.amazon.com/Book-Laughter-Forgetting-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060932147/sr=8-2/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Immortality (http://www.amazon.com/Immortality-Perennial-Classics-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060932384/sr=8-4/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_4/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Identity (http://www.amazon.com/Identity-Novel-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060930314/sr=8-5/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Life Is Elsewhere (http://www.amazon.com/Life-Elsewhere-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060997028/sr=8-7/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Ignorance (http://www.amazon.com/Ignorance-Novel-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060002107/sr=8-9/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_9/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Slowness (http://www.amazon.com/Slowness-Novel-Milan-Kundera/dp/0060928417/sr=8-12/qid=1170264163/ref=pd_bbs_sr_12/105-7593194-2883625?ie=UTF8&s=books)


Book Club Regulations (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4104)

[Scheherazade]

Whoohooooooo!!

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is leading with 100%! :D

[Luís Castilho]

Hello, I am new to this forum and would love to get to know all of you and follow the book club. I am portuguese so my english is not that good, forgive me in advance for that :yawnb: Anyway, I allready read the The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera and I must say that it is his worse, its just filosofically empty. My favorite Milan Kundera novels are Ignorance and Slowness. But I think i will vote some other so I can join you in the reading of it :yawnb: Just wanted to warn you that The Unberable Lightness of Being is not that good

[Idril]

Other than Life is Elsewhere, which I'm currently reading, all those choices will be rereads for me and since I've been thinking I should reread The Book of Laughter and Forgetting for awhile now, that was my choice. One of my favorite Kundera books, The Joke didn't make the list, the other one I really like is Immortality even with all that odd business with Goethe and Hemmingway in heaven, I just loved Agnes, she felt like a kindred spirit to me but I just reread both of those not too long ago.

[Virgil]

I don't know if I'll join this month. I find Kundera boring, as boring a writer as I've ever read. But I may want to give it another try. We'll see.

[Psycheinaboat]

I am not sure I will be able to participate, so maybe I shouldn't have voted. I would like to read The Unbearable Lightness of Being, though.

[Schokokeks]

I have read The Unbearable Lightness of Being some time ago, but I didn't get very far, it somehow didn't get me hooked. But I was very little back then, and maybe I can make something out of it now that I've grown by two or three years :D.
I still hold back my vote until I can see whether I'll have the time to read along with you.

[Anthony Furze]

I ve never read Kundera, but "Unbearable ..."is the only one I can get my hands on at present.

[Asa Adams]

I always prized myself on being a very comfortable, and slow paced person. Serenity Now, type, supposedly. Much like the character of Dolly in the february book: "As usual, Dolly could not be hurried. It was her habit, even when it rained, to loiter along an ordinary path as though she were dallying in a garden..." 'Slowness' is said to be "brilliant, witty, and the most accessible" of His novels. I think thats my choice!
Asa

[Idril]

" 'Slowness' is said to be "brilliant, witty, and the most accessible" of His novels. I think thats my choice!
Asa

Really?! That is not how I would describe that one.

[Asa Adams]

Well, It's a direct quote. That's all, Idril.

[Virgil]

I found Slowness to be awfully slow. ;) Sorry. :p

[Idril]

Well, It's a direct quote. That's all, Idril.

Oh, I know, it's just interesting how different people can look at the same book in completely different ways. It always makes me wonder if I missed something.

[Asa Adams]

I found Slowness to be awfully slow. ;) Sorry. :p AND HES WITTY!??!:lol: ;) LOL, SORRY VIRGIL, JUST HAD TOO.
Asa

[Nightshade]

AN obviously landslide :D

[Idril]

It's not surprising, after all it is in my opinion, the most accessible of his novels. ;)

[Asa Adams]

Drole.

[Idril]

I just can't quite get over the fact that someone thinks Slowness is his most accessible work. It's an odd little book with no point really, it seems strange that whoever said that would pick it over The Unbearable Lightness of Being or even The Joke that have a much more classic and cohesive narrative. I promise, I'll stop talking about that now. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/IdrilCelebrindal/sealed.png

[Asa Adams]

Right. Well your opinion may mean something to yourself, but surly someone elses may mean much more to them than to you. If you catch the drift.

[B-Mental]

Going out to buy the book right now. I hope that there isn't a voting streak on another title.

[grace86]

Goodness. I wanted to read and vote for Unbearable Lightness of Being. But the truth is I am not sure if I will be able to participate. I wonder if I should just go ahead and vote for it and be optimistic. After all, my current readings aren't that easy of reads....I probably shouldn't add a third on top of my school work. :(

[ShoutGrace]

I just can't quite get over the fact that someone thinks Slowness is his most accessible work. It's an odd little book with no point really, it seems strange that whoever said that would pick it over The Unbearable Lightness of Being or even The Joke that have a much more classic and cohesive narrative. I promise, I'll stop talking about that now. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/IdrilCelebrindal/sealed.png


Right. Well your opinion may mean something to yourself, but surly someone elses may mean much more to them than to you. If you catch the drift.

I'm afraid I don't catch your drift (you'll excuse me for responding to a comment not originally directed at me). Idril is one of the more amiable and knowledgeable members here - she is clearly a prodigious reader who takes the time to discuss her percipient views on the large body of varied literature she has thus far consumed.

Her opinion means a lot to other members (not just myself, I'm sure).

Notice her convivial clarification here (you may have missed it):


Oh, I know, it's just interesting how different people can look at the same book in completely different ways. It always makes me wonder if I missed something.

If you somehow feel threatened or smarted that she produced a sentiment contrary to your supplied one, you may safely let that feeling go.

Even after taking away the fact that her muses are worthy of such merit, your intimation that your "direct quote" is in any way more legitimate than her considered opinion is crass. Of course someone's opinion may mean more to themselves than anothers - there are a lot of ignorant people out there who are unable to consider a viewpoint which differs from their own. How does this fact lessen Idril's contribution (one which, again, I will value highly)? She gave a reasoning for the conclusion at which she had arrived - much more than one can say of your interestingly unattributed "direct quote."

Please don't be deterred, Idril -

[papayahed]

I was thinking there's no reason to vote now but heck I ususally vote for the underdog (and polly purebred :lol: ) so what the hey, this is for all the other polls I missed.

[Idril]

Please don't be deterred, Idril -

I won't. ;) I may not be a great Kundera scholar, I may not be a great critic, attuned to all the subtleties and nuances of fiction but I have read all the Kundera books on this list and thusly, entitled to think what I think, whether it's correct or not. I didn't intend for my comment to be the start of an argument, it was just that, a comment...a musing, if you will.

[Asa Adams]

I'm afraid I don't catch your drift (you'll excuse me for responding to a comment not originally directed at me). Idril is one of the more amiable and knowledgeable members here - she is clearly a prodigious reader who takes the time to discuss her percipient views on the large body of varied literature she has thus far consumed.

Her opinion means a lot to other members (not just myself, I'm sure).

Notice her convivial clarification here (you may have missed it):



If you somehow feel threatened or smarted that she produced a sentiment contrary to your supplied one, you may safely let that feeling go.

Even after taking away the fact that her muses are worthy of such merit, your intimation that your "direct quote" is in any way more legitimate than her considered opinion is crass. Of course someone's opinion may mean more to themselves than anothers - there are a lot of ignorant people out there who are unable to consider a viewpoint which differs from their own. How does this fact lessen Idril's contribution (one which, again, I will value highly)? She gave a reasoning for the conclusion at which she had arrived - much more than one can say of your interestingly unattributed "direct quote."

Please don't be deterred, Idril -


This is the problem with communication via web. I was misunderstood by you Idril and shoutgrace, and I do apologize, especially if I did indeed offend Idril. I will have nothing further to say on my behalf. Your Words were quite enough, Shoutgrace.
Asa

[Jay]

I'm hoping to be able to participate in the book club again and since I've already borrowed the winning book, I voted for it, too.

[Anthony Furze]

I ve started reading. I must say its an intriguing read after the Eng Lit I ve been handling over the years.

The last translated book I read was Crime and Punishment.

Im finding the opening philosophy part leading into what I assume will be the fiction quite a challenge.

[B-Mental]

It doesn't last very long AF

[Asa Adams]

It doesn't last very long AF

Really? So you mean the philosophy aspect doesn't last very long, and therefore it's not much of a challenge? :( I hope not, It lloks like its going to be the choice this month. Oh well. Did you enjoy it b-mental?
Asa

[Scheherazade]

ShoutGrace> Both Asa and Idril are long term members of the LitNet and are familiar with the Forum Rules and, I am sure, are able to resolve their differences with the least possible distraction to other members. Unless Idril has personally asked for your support on the matter, I am not sure your post proves very helpful or constructive.

To all concerned> We are all here to read new books together and exchange our opinions on them. It is only natural that there will be those who disagree with us, as well as those who do not.


Please keep your posts within Forum Rules and within the boundries of social courtesy.

Going once...

[Asa Adams]

Once again, I do apologize for the issues that were caused by my misunderstood comment, and hopefully we can resume this wonderful club without anymore harmful distractions.
Thank you,
Asa

[Asa Adams]

Okay! My copy is in the mail, and I look forward to reading it with you guys,
asa

[B-Mental]

Really? So you mean the philosophy aspect doesn't last very long, and therefore it's not much of a challenge? :( I hope not, It lloks like its going to be the choice this month. Oh well. Did you enjoy it b-mental?
Asa

I just began the book myself and am only a couple of chapters into it. The begining chapter or two deal with the Nietzche's thoughts on eternal return. Its confusing and were the entire book written in such manner it wouldn't be as esteemed as it is. Luckily it only lasts such a short while. I don't read for the challenge any book Asa. I am enjoying it quite well, but I don't know if I agree with the doctor's philandering.

[Asa Adams]

Great! Thanks B-Mental!

[Scheherazade]

Read TULOB some... uhm... years ago (let's say my fingers and toes would not suffice to count the number of years :rolleyes:) but the only thing I can remember is the 'unusual' personal relationships between the family members...

I am looking forward to reading it in English this time and find out how much of it I will be able to retain.

[Idril]

I just began the book myself and am only a couple of chapters into it. The begining chapter or two deal with the Nietzche's thoughts on eternal return. Its confusing and were the entire book written in such manner it wouldn't be as esteemed as it is. Luckily it only lasts such a short while.

There are snipets of it throughout the book. Kundera is the king of the philosophical tangents, sometimes they are more distracting than others but I think for the most part in this novel, they work.


...but I don't know if I agree with the doctor's philandering

Another hallmark of Kundera, his characters are all very flawed, they make horrible decisions and choices, they are often incredibly self-invovled and indulgent but they are also very real and complex. You often cringe at what they do but it's hard to out and out dislike the characters and I certainly feel that way about Thomas.

[Asa Adams]

There are snipets of it throughout the book. Kundera is the king of the philosophical tangents, sometimes they are more distracting than others but I think for the most part in this novel, they work.



Another hallmark of Kundera, his characters are all very flawed, they make horrible decisions and choices, they are often incredibly self-invovled and indulgent but they are also very real and complex. You often cringe at what they do but it's hard to out and out dislike the characters and I certainly feel that way about Thomas.


Wow! Sounds wonderful. I love characters that are almost offensive, yet they contain such brutal mirror images to the readers themselves. Books like these, with the characters like these, the audience grows, and sheds the ignorance they once had; example(depth and preconceived notions of individuals, etc).:thumbs_up
Can't wait to pick it up. The discussion has already started :( :lol:

[Anthony Furze]

It would be interesting if there is more than one translation here...Is this a book which has several translated versions?

[Scheherazade]

Going twice...

[Anthony Furze]

Well Im into the first section "Lightness and Weight" and about to finish it. Im beginning to get the subtle play on the two ideas of lightness and weight in the narrative.

Tomas is not a character I sympathize with much.The unrelenting point of view of Tomas also makes me wonder why first person wasn t chosen.

Im a little uneasy with the philosophy activated through character idea-maybe through lack of familiarity.

Im a bit sorry for Tereza, but we dont get to see her point of view deeply.

Some of the imagery is terrific.