I've been doing so much reading lately, and I'm loving it. Books have nearly taken the place of the television in my house. This would be a good thing, except the television is generally my distraction from doing things that are productive. Switching one for the other doesn't necessarily help with the productivity thing. But, hey, at least it sounds smart.
So here's the latest: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. The plot intertwines the Russian occupation of Czechoslovakia with the story of Tomas and Tereza, a couple struggling with their every day existence. Tomas is a successful surgeon who loves his wife but doesn't let that stop him from having numerous affairs with other women. His view that love and sex are two separate entities allows him to continue these actions year after year. Tereza is tortured by Tomas's infidelity but cannot find it within her to leave; thus, she considers herself weak. The author uses these characters, as well as the somewhat lesser characters of Sabina and Franz, to exemplify the human experience. He tells the facts of what happens but also attempts to outline each character's motivations and the differing ways each perceives their own world.
Kundera manages to pull off a very unusual point of view -- in that he is the narrator, not as any character or part of the story, but as the actual author. I'm not sure how to describe this other than to tell you -- you have to read it. His voice is truly unique. Without delving too deep into plot, Kundera manages to bring you along, mesmerized by his words and a deep understanding of the characters and their drive.
This isn't what I would call a light read. If you're looking for something to remove you from the realities of every day life, you might want to grab the latest Candice Bushnell novel. But when you're looking for a story that will draw you in and encircle you in a reality that is both honest and touching, this book will take you there. A truly unique and beautiful novel.
So here's the latest: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. The plot intertwines the Russian occupation of Czechoslovakia with the story of Tomas and Tereza, a couple struggling with their every day existence. Tomas is a successful surgeon who loves his wife but doesn't let that stop him from having numerous affairs with other women. His view that love and sex are two separate entities allows him to continue these actions year after year. Tereza is tortured by Tomas's infidelity but cannot find it within her to leave; thus, she considers herself weak. The author uses these characters, as well as the somewhat lesser characters of Sabina and Franz, to exemplify the human experience. He tells the facts of what happens but also attempts to outline each character's motivations and the differing ways each perceives their own world.Kundera manages to pull off a very unusual point of view -- in that he is the narrator, not as any character or part of the story, but as the actual author. I'm not sure how to describe this other than to tell you -- you have to read it. His voice is truly unique. Without delving too deep into plot, Kundera manages to bring you along, mesmerized by his words and a deep understanding of the characters and their drive.
This isn't what I would call a light read. If you're looking for something to remove you from the realities of every day life, you might want to grab the latest Candice Bushnell novel. But when you're looking for a story that will draw you in and encircle you in a reality that is both honest and touching, this book will take you there. A truly unique and beautiful novel.
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Ah man... another book to add to my list of many. I have so many books with "omg" status and this one will be added to the rest. As if I needed another one :/ but I can't help it. Right now I'm reading 'The Queen's Mistake'. I have this sick passion of reading about King Henry VIII wives. She is number 5. I'll post when I'm done...
I know what you mean! There are SO many books on my reading list, and every time I turn around, I'm adding another. There are too many books to possibly read in my lifetime - but I'm having fun trying!! Can't wait to read about 'The Queen's Mistake'. :)