I think there’s no other author that come close when I think about what I got out of the books. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re reading fiction, history, or political philosophy. Such a brilliant dude. The best thing you can say in an obituary is that the person made the world a better place.
As someone who has only read The Unbearable Lightness of Being and found it to be absolutely incredible, do you have a recommendation on what to read next from Kundera? Same for b_b.
Totally seconded on The Joke. It should be essential reading for all high school or university students. Nothing has ever explored and explained the behavior of dictatorships more succinctly and successfully. It’s a master work. Immortality is a mind fuck, but well worth it if you can get through the first half.
I’ve read both the joke and unbearable lightness in my 20s and 30s and perceived them in subtly different ways each time. Definitely reflective of my life experience at each point. I plan to reread each on my 40s, as well, but haven’t gotten to it yet. Life I only read once many years ago, so I’m having trouble remembering the details beyond that I was also wowed by it.
The Joke is essential. I think you really get an understanding of who Kundera was from The Joke, particularly when you read it in the context of Kundera's escape from Czechoslovakia.