I like those moments as well when Kundera steps aside or the prose-terrain shifts and Kundera starts discussing ideas. I especially like when he uses a kernel of something to generate a character, eg. Tereza’s stomach growling and the moment I recall about a woman in a swimming pool waving at her instructor. This speculation of singular moments is what creates the energy of his novels, I think. Related to this, because I always think of this when I think of Kundera - I was once sitting in a restaurant with a woman I was in a relationship with, and I happened to glance up at the mirror and saw a reflection of a woman in the mirror beside us. But I’d forgotten that there was a mirror there and instead it seemed as if there was another woman on the other side of the booth. For a moment I thought “god, that’s a beautiful woman” and then I realized that I’d “re-seen” her. Kundera seems to have similar moments and write books around them. Thanks for reading. I like the “difference” he highlights between roads and routes. On another somewhat related topic, have you read any Raymond Carver?
That's an excellent observation about Kundera's method. I haven't read any Raymond Carver, though I have noticed his books at bookstores, in particular the one titled "What We Talk about When We Talk about Love." I'd appreciate any tips and suggestions about where to start with him. Thanks for your comment!
“What We Talk About...” is one of my favorites. He has at least 3-4 collections he published in his lifetime, but I think his collected stories, “Where I’m Calling From.” I suggest “What We Talk About...,” “A Small, Good Thing,” and “Cathedral.” These stories have stayed with me ever since I first read them. (I think I brought up Carver because I read Kundera and Carver together, they’ve become related in my mind.)
I like those moments as well when Kundera steps aside or the prose-terrain shifts and Kundera starts discussing ideas. I especially like when he uses a kernel of something to generate a character, eg. Tereza’s stomach growling and the moment I recall about a woman in a swimming pool waving at her instructor. This speculation of singular moments is what creates the energy of his novels, I think.
Related to this, because I always think of this when I think of Kundera - I was once sitting in a restaurant with a woman I was in a relationship with, and I happened to glance up at the mirror and saw a reflection of a woman in the mirror beside us. But I’d forgotten that there was a mirror there and instead it seemed as if there was another woman on the other side of the booth. For a moment I thought “god, that’s a beautiful woman” and then I realized that I’d “re-seen” her. Kundera seems to have similar moments and write books around them.
Thanks for reading. I like the “difference” he highlights between roads and routes.
On another somewhat related topic, have you read any Raymond Carver?
That's an excellent observation about Kundera's method. I haven't read any Raymond Carver, though I have noticed his books at bookstores, in particular the one titled "What We Talk about When We Talk about Love." I'd appreciate any tips and suggestions about where to start with him. Thanks for your comment!
“What We Talk About...” is one of my favorites. He has at least 3-4 collections he published in his lifetime, but I think his collected stories, “Where I’m Calling From.” I suggest “What We Talk About...,” “A Small, Good Thing,” and “Cathedral.” These stories have stayed with me ever since I first read them. (I think I brought up Carver because I read Kundera and Carver together, they’ve become related in my mind.)
Hello ! I've not read any of Kundera's books. Could you please tell me where to start reading Kundera ?
My suggestion: ‘Laughable Loves’ (short stories)
@@DavoodGozli ok thank you