The book was more worth it for the philosophical elements than the plot. It was definitely more pretentious than anything I’ve read in a while. The author inserting himself in the narrative was almost unbearable. But there were so many worthwhile passages I have to forgive the author.

“Missions are stupid, Tereza. I have no mission. No one has. And it’s a terrific relief to realize you’re free, free of all missions.”

This book was more than a little pretentious, all tell, no show. The story is small and, while sometimes that’s OK, there wasn’t enough to care about viz a viz the characters for me to become engaged. I fought with the second half of it, finishing it only through my determination to say I had.

Ah well.

Some of the language was interesting, and some of the philosophical blather on the nature of kitsch and love, and the need to be seen by others… but the rest… enh.

This is definitely one of my favorite books. Definitely top 5, probably top 3. I love the way Kundera mixes philosophical musings in with his story line. I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. I’ve recommended it to two or three people today alone. I’m sure I’ll be rereading it before the semester ends.

I love the dreamy-eyed manner the book is written about.

I’ve read this novel three times since my seventeenth birthday and it never ceases to amaze and engage me. Yes, a thesis for a novel! Yes, a plot offered up as evidence! I’ve feverishly read a good number of Kundera’s other works, but none of them rival this one. It’s a masterpiece.

This is a book that changed my life back in college.

(i’m actually reading a dutch translation)

This one looks very interesting.

Done, done, done. I thought this was beautiful. I loved the author’s insertion of himself. I loved his insight into the nature, the lightness of love, the balances that keep relationships going.

Really awesome so far!

A poignant, sometimes funny sometimes disturbing and always engaging novel about choice, and chance.

I enjoyed reading this book. I really like the movie too.

Reading this book before falling asleep gave me weird dreams about living under Soviet Communist rule.