kristymartino's review against another edition
4.0
If anyone could force me to read any 19th century French literature, it's Kundera. As far as I can tell, he seems right on in regards to most of his critical topics. My favorite section being, "Kitsch and Vulgarity." Kundera tells of a situation where a friend doesn't get the joke he makes. "what held us apart was the clash of two aesthetic attitudes: the man allergic to kitsch collides with the man allergic to vulgarity." I have to say, I'm on Kundera's side for sure.
hannahtosh's review against another edition
5.0
The passion Kundera writes with about reading is infectious, so much so that I would quote this book in its entirety if I could.
'Alas, miracles do not endure for long. What takes flight will one day come to earth. In anguish I imagine a time when art shall cease to seek out the never-said and will go docilely back into the service of the collective life that requires it to render repetition beautiful and help the individual merge, at peace and with joy, into the uniformity of being.
For the history of art is perishable. The babble of art is eternal.
'Alas, miracles do not endure for long. What takes flight will one day come to earth. In anguish I imagine a time when art shall cease to seek out the never-said and will go docilely back into the service of the collective life that requires it to render repetition beautiful and help the individual merge, at peace and with joy, into the uniformity of being.
For the history of art is perishable. The babble of art is eternal.
persaefone's review against another edition
5.0
Un saggio bellissimo (ed io non sono tipa da saggi) dove Kundi parla del romanzo e degli scrittori con passione; ma dove parla anche del regime russo imposto alla Repubblica Ceca nel secolo scorso.
Possiamo dire che รจ un misto tra un saggio artistico, storico e politico. Ho amato anche di come abbia analizzato Dostoevskij e le parole che ha usato per Anna Karenina (libro che ho amato)
Possiamo dire che รจ un misto tra un saggio artistico, storico e politico. Ho amato anche di come abbia analizzato Dostoevskij e le parole che ha usato per Anna Karenina (libro che ho amato)
imdillionen's review against another edition
4.0
Chapter 2 a decent reminder that, as a professional of English literatures, I need to cast a decolonising gaze on to the rest of Europe too, not only into the old Empire.
Turns out, though, than Kundera hasn't noticed that also women write novels?
Turns out, though, than Kundera hasn't noticed that also women write novels?
sammi_k's review
4.0
I really admire Milan Kundera. When I read his books, I feel like we're on the same wavelength in terms of humour and philosophies. I was happy to find this collection of his thoughts and perceptions related to European classic novels and authors. His knowledge of literature is abundant and presented in a digestible way for those of us with minimal experience with the classics. As someone who has not read [b:Don Quixote|3836|Don Quixote|Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546112331l/3836._SX50_.jpg|121842] yet, I was still able to appreciate his reoccurring analyses of the novel. I particularly enjoyed the glimpses into his life especially his experience with the history, patriotism, and identity of Czechoslovakia.