The Book of Laughter and Forgetting
Milan Kundera (tr. Aaron Asher)
1996 (this edition of English translation, original 1978)
London
Faber and Faber
pp. 312
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting is a collection of seven narratives that cover a range of issues but have subtle underlying common themes. Part satire, part humour, part realism, the book is best understood in the historical political context in which Kundera grew up and lived. Without these contexts, the book borders on senseless prose, at least to me.
Milan Kundera (tr. Aaron Asher)
1996 (this edition of English translation, original 1978)
London
Faber and Faber
pp. 312
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting is a collection of seven narratives that cover a range of issues but have subtle underlying common themes. Part satire, part humour, part realism, the book is best understood in the historical political context in which Kundera grew up and lived. Without these contexts, the book borders on senseless prose, at least to me.
His ideas are often revolutionary, anti establishment and give voice to what many think but never voice. Place in the context of the everyday, his work is difficult to ignore, but equally difficult to follow. Best be read at leisure.
Every book has a story
Kundera was one of the people I have had on my list of people to read. Why I picked up this one is more chance than choice. I am doubtful if I would pick up another Kundera soon.