it must be. this is one of the greatest book i've ever read. instant favorite. i've been hearing about this kundera before..some if his works even became movie..but only recently i had the chance to read one of his novel. the unbearable lightness of being.
although a topic i surely could not relate in, infidelities, kundera never failed to catch my psyche. the way it was written is outstanding. the way it was narrated, that is, not in a straight timeline of events may not be original, but it still did achieve its intention.
the story surrounds the affairs of main four individuals, tomas (protagonist), his wife teresa, sabina (tomas' mistress) and franz (sabina's lover). well, it doesn't just go on with the infidelities among them. there is so much than that. it's about life and fortuities. it even entails concept that requires philosphical anaysis…topics that people debate on. again, one of the book that is so profound that it requires to stop readong from time to time and think. i love how it discussed the difference between men and women in handling an umbrella during rainy days., that women normally don't care if they're gonna hit their umbrellas with other peoples' umbrellas. that it should be a matter of realizing who is superior and inferior (the inferior will avoid hitting the umbrella of superiors) and how men would always humbly avoid the clash and raise it up no matter what. which is absolutely true!! the story happened mostly in prague and zurich, in the middle of atrocities as the russians invade the city. so, keeping my mouth shut now 'cause i want you to go over it on your own and discover the intricacies of reality yet in a so trivial existence. unbearably light.
highly recommended.
yup, twas so good! and the best thing is, it’s just less than 200 pesos in national bookstore! can’t wait for my next kundera read. 
Musta? Funny how I came across your blog when I googled the phrase “es muss sein”! I recently read the book and I enjoyed it a lot. And it’s amusing how Kundera (as narrator) explains the thoughts and circumstances of his characters, being explicitly called characters in the novel. I liked ‘Karenin’s Smile’ best, though. Made me bawl. Lol.
Hey Dyan! Small world, er.. small cyberworld! hehe
‘Haven’t read Karenin’s Smile yet, I’ll try to get a copy! How about Murakami? His works are amazing too! 
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Sounds like a great read
I’ll find a copy soon, thanks for the recommendation!
Posted by Van at September 7, 2007, 2:22 pm