EN
Contemporary Fiction

The Book of Laughter and Forgetting

Czech. Kniha smíchu a zapomnění · 1979
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Book Review

The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera is a multilayered work that combines elements of a novel, essay, and philosophical reflection. Critics note that Kundera masterfully explores themes of memory, forgetting, laughter, and political oppression. The book intertwines the personal stories of the characters with historical events, creating a profound and multifaceted context. Special attention is given to how totalitarian regimes attempt to erase people's memory and identity, and how laughter can serve as both a means of resistance and a way of forgetting. Kundera employs an ironic and sometimes sarcastic tone, adding sharpness and depth to the book. Critics also emphasize that The Book of Laughter and Forgetting is not only a political novel but also a deep exploration of human nature and relationships.

The Book of Laughter and Forgetting
Date of publication: 25 August 2024
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Author
Original titleCzech. Kniha smíchu a zapomnění · 1979
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