This is not my favorite of Kundera's works but it hits on many of the same themes as his others. Eroticism coupled with a repressive society weave themselves together in most of these stories. It is not necessarily the subject matter that appeals to me with Kundera but rather the quite extraordinary nature of his insights into life and the sheer beauty of his writing. The lyrical nature is quite compelling and when this is coupled with his perceptiveness to small parts of our lives it brings this work to another level. I have never read a Kundera book that at the end did not leave me feeling enriched despite my disregard for the eroticism of his work. ( )

Naissance d’un nouveau genre (roman en forme de variations). Construction musicale. Esquisses des situations et personnages de L’insoutenable légèreté de l’être (Tamina-Tereza, Eva-Sabina, etc.). Le Diable, personnage romanesque. Scènes de la vie de l’auteur, parties prenantes du roman.
De nouvelles découvertes à chaque relecture. On ne s'en lasse pas! ( )

I find Milan Kundera's style interesting and unique in some ways. His jumps between characters, time and himself within chapters provide interest. I also enjoy the political commentary which is particularly noticeable in this book. However, sometimes I find his treatment of characters a little dull and superficial, and find their relationships predictable (within his style). I did like the character of Tamina. The Book of Laughter and Forgetting is an easy and rather enjoyable read but it does not make me want to read more of his works in a great hurry. ( )

Absolutely wonderful. There is something immensely valuable in Kundera's words. His perspective is refreshing and demanding. ( )

A brilliant depiction of intellectual life under communism. Philiosphically profound & very moving. The more allegorical sections were a slight disappointment though. ( )