The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by Milan Kundera
The Unbearable Lightness of Being cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 11135
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9780571367641
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2020-11-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a philosophical novel that delves into the complexities of human existence, love, and the weight of our choices. Set in Prague during the Soviet invasion, the story follows a surgeon, his wife, his mistress, and a young philosopher as they navigate their relationships and the political turmoil around them. The novel is celebrated for its deep philosophical insights and its exploration of the human condition, blending comedy and tragedy in a way that resonates with readers. /n/n The book is not just a story but a profound meditation on the nature of existence, the lightness of being, and the impact of our decisions. It has been praised for its intellectual depth and its ability to change the way readers perceive life and love. The novel's themes and characters have left a lasting impact on literature and continue to be relevant today.

Reviews
Julia's Books · Julia · 2020-10-11
Mixed 2.00

The book is beautifully written but the main protagonists are unlikable. It feels like a chore to read at times.

The reviewer found the book beautifully written but struggled with the unlikable main characters. They felt that reading the book was a chore, suggesting that despite its literary merits, the characters made the experience less enjoyable. The reviewer's criticism centers on the protagonists, indicating that their portrayal detracted from the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It feels like a chore reading this book.

    It is beautifully written but I just can not stand the two main protagonists.

    I want to go into the book with an open mind, but I just can't.

Mookse and Gripes · 2008-11-15
Good 3.50

The book is engaging and well-written but did not fully satisfy the reviewer. It is provocative and not unbearable.

The reviewer found the book engaging and well-written, with provocative elements that make it interesting. However, they felt that it did not fully satisfy them, suggesting that while the novel has its merits, it might lack something to make it a completely fulfilling read. The reviewer appreciates the book's strengths but also notes that it left them wanting more in terms of satisfaction.

Quick quotes

    It was engaging, well written, provocative — not in the least unbearable — but for some reason it didn't satisfy me as much in the act of reading.

    It is a book that will make you think and reflect on life.

    The characters are well-developed and the themes are thought-provoking.

The Guardian · John Banville · 2004-05-01
Positive 4.00

Kundera is an unjudgmental moralist. The characters represent different aspects of life and philosophy.

John Banville highlights Kundera's unique approach as an unjudgmental moralist, exploring how the characters in the book embody various philosophical and life aspects. He appreciates the depth of Kundera's writing and the way it delves into complex themes. Banville's review suggests that the novel offers a profound and thought-provoking reading experience, with characters that serve as vehicles for deeper philosophical inquiries.

Quick quotes

    Kundera is the most unjudgmental of moralists.

    When Franz tells Sabina that a philosopher had once accused him of having nothing in his work but ideas.

    The characters aren't very likeable but they all sort of represent the different aspects of life and philosophy.

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