The Unbearable Lightness of Being

De: Milan Kundera, Michael Henry Heim

Narrado por: Richmond Hoxie

One of the century's most famous novels, available for the first time on audio - read by Richmond Hoxie. Milan Kundera's iconic novel of love and politics in communist Czechoslovakia is 'a dark and brilliant achievement' (Ian McEwan).

'A cult figure.' Guardian

'Shamelessly clever ... Exhilaratingly subversive and funny.' Independent

'A modern classic ... As relevant now as when it was first published. ' John Banville

A young woman is in love with a successful surgeon - a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanising. His mistress, a free-spirited artist, lives her life as a series of betrayals - while her other lover stands to lose everything because of his noble qualities.

In a world where lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and fortuitous events, and everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance and weight - and we feel 'the unbearable lightness of being'.

A masterpiece by one of the world's truly great writers, Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being encompasses passion and philosophy, infidelity and ideas, the Prague Spring and modern America, political acts and private desires, comedy and tragedy - and illuminates all aspects of human existence.

©2012 Milan Kundera (P)2012 Faber & Faber

A subtle reading of a beautiful book

Richmond Hoxie is the ideal choice of reader for Kundera's philosophical, political, sensual & challenging novel.

Love the guy who read this

Such a lovely calming voice. He got me through some hard slow parts. Some elements of the story were confusing for me but I'm sure some research will sort that out!

Kundera

Excellent book about a philosophical way of life. Recommendable for all audiences. My first Kundera experience and am looking forward to more!

An Absolute Joy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. A delightful jigsaw of stories overlaid with non-judgemental "light" philosophical asides.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

I enjoyed several of the "philosophical" tangents that the narrator took. They added depth to the story, gave us insight into the characters that we'd not have gleaned from the story alone, creating humanity beyond what would be in a more conventional storyline. A third dimension.

What about Richmond Hoxie’s performance did you like?

My impression is that Richmond Hoxie was extremely familiar with the book. He had just the right levity at times when it was needed but also created the characters perfectly.

If you could rename The Unbearable Lightness of Being, what would you call it?

I wouldn't.

Any additional comments?

This book lives up to it's hype. Worth the time, extremely enjoyable. More than "just a story".