Unbearable Lightness of Being

A Novel

By Milan Kundera | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

International Bestseller • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction

“Far more than a conventional novel. It is a meditation on life, on the erotic, on the nature of men and women and love . . . full of telling details, truths large and small, to which just about every reader will respond.” — People

In The Unbearable Lightness of Being, acclaimed author Milan Kundera tells the story of two couples: a young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing, and one of his mistresses and her humbly faithful lover. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, this unforgettable work of philosophical fiction explores a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. Hence, we feel \"the unbearable lightness of being\" not only as the consequence of our pristine actions but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine.

This magnificent novel is a story of passion and politics, infidelity and ideas, and encompasses the extremes of comedy and tragedy, illuminating all aspects of human existence.

Editions of Unbearable Lightness of Being

Paperback
ISBN 9780061148521
EBook
ISBN 9780063290648

Read an Excerpt

International Bestseller • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction

“Far more than a conventional novel. It is a meditation on life, on the erotic, on the nature of men and women and love . . . full of telling details, truths large and small, to which just about every reader will respond.” — People

In The Unbearable Lightness of Being, acclaimed author Milan Kundera tells the story of two couples: a young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing, and one of his mistresses and her humbly faithful lover. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, this unforgettable work of philosophical fiction explores a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. Hence, we feel \"the unbearable lightness of being\" not only as the consequence of our pristine actions but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine.

This magnificent novel is a story of passion and politics, infidelity and ideas, and encompasses the extremes of comedy and tragedy, illuminating all aspects of human existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unbearable Lightness of Being about?

International Bestseller • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction

“Far more than a conventional novel. It is a meditation on life, on the erotic, on the nature of men and women and love . . . full of telling details, truths large and small, to which just about every reader will respond.” — People

In The Unbearable Lightness of Being, acclaimed author Milan Kundera tells the story of two couples: a young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing, and one of his mistresses and her humbly faithful lover. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, this unforgettable work of philosophical fiction explores a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. Hence, we feel \"the unbearable lightness of being\" not only as the consequence of our pristine actions but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine.

This magnificent novel is a story of passion and politics, infidelity and ideas, and encompasses the extremes of comedy and tragedy, illuminating all aspects of human existence.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Unbearable Lightness of Being?

Fiction > Fiction / Literature / Comics / Graphic novels: narrative themes > Narrative theme: sense of place

Where can I read a sample of Unbearable Lightness of Being?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780061148521

Is Unbearable Lightness of Being part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Perennial Classics

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Unbearable Lightness of Being?

Milan Kundera

Who is the Publisher of the book Unbearable Lightness of Being?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Unbearable Lightness of Being is available as paperback(ISBN 9780061148521) and ebook(ISBN 9780063290648)

Where can I buy Unbearable Lightness of Being online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Unbearable Lightness of Being from below

Where can I buy Unbearable Lightness of Being?