March / Kundera Reading Poll

[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 ) 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).
Can't wait to pick it up. The discussion has already started

[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.