Reviews with content warning for Rape - A Insustentável Leveza do Ser

I detested more than half of this book, enough to the point that regardless of the last two parts not being completely terrible, I'm going with a 1-star after mulling on it for a while. This is one of those books where I didn't vibe with the writing style/choices in general, and thought it would have greatly benefitted from sticking to some specific topic, rather than being all over the place. Kundera's writing gave me this constant ick which I only tend to feel when authors' questionable views seep into their works, and lo and behold, he says this during the meta-commentary: 'The characters in my novels are my own unrealized possibilities.' which unfortunately confirmed my fears. 🤣

This book reeks of misogyny and features a toxic miserable relationship that goes nowhere. He tries his hand at some philosophy and political commentary, which came off as pretentious and r/Im14andthisisdeep material, rather than anything profound. Some of the excessive and distasteful events or descriptions seemed to me as if the author was fulfilling his lascivious fantasies through these characters, or simply being gratuitous. I don't know if something was lost in translation but it became rather unbearable indeed with the constant focus on sex for the majority of the book. I don't mind reading about shitty characters or sex, but the way Kundera handles it and the things he focuses on.. It just rubs me the wrong way if that makes sense... I didn't care much about the characters with their unnatural inner monologue, although Teresa's traumatic upbringing was well-written.

Kundera occasionally draws conclusions by linking unrelated elements, which can seem illogical, even though they're presented as if they naturally fit together. This can leave the reader feeling perplexed often (The relation between Teresa's bowler hat and violence for example). It adds a lot to that pretentiousness I mentioned earlier. The political plot was comparatively enjoyable, but there wasn't enough of it and what existed felt rather basic. I have never been a fan of the author telling me what to think or feel, so that didn't help either. At the end of the day, if you ask me Do you feel like you gained anything reading this book?, my answer would be no. I didn't care for his thoughts or insight, and the parts I didn't hate seem forgettable now after all this time, while the irritation remains.

P.S. Kundera definitely has a poop fetish... Oh, and don't read this book if you haven't read Anna Karenina and don't want its ending spoiled.

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fjcrow's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So sad in such a beautiful way. It highlights the flaws of man and the pain of living, but it gave me a sense of peace to see the humanity that flows through us all no matter what, and how pain can be grotesquely romantic

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danielleboldry's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

meticulously crafted characters and an interwoven story based on different ideas of the human condition, laced with political examination.

kundera’s use of seemingly random anecdotes help you to understand our characters’ psyches on such a deep level, and give light to a range of fascinating philosophies of life.

the writing is sickeningly poetic - i was underlining on almost every page. using karenin as a thread throughout the book, and to end the story with a section dedicated to him really tugged on my heartstrings. safe to say i ADORE this book.

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pmileham's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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vasi83177's review against another edition

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absolute garbage book. the word "unbearable" accurately describes this book. sexist narrator. sexist characters. you could feel the hatred towards women in the way that they were portrayed. especially compared to male characters, which were depicted in neutral tone of voice. disgusting scenes. LOTS of gaslighting, mental and sexual abuse, lack of consent etc.

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