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Title: Identity
Author: Milan Kundera
ISBN: 9780060930318
Publisher: Harper Perennial/1999
Pages: 168
I am picking it out from my archives. I had read it in 2006. Identity is a very thin book. What is most interesting about Kundera's books is the way in which his characters are so realistic, how much they think, wonder, and speculate about things. Their interplay is very absorbing as can be seen within some of the predisposed dreams of various characters.
Identity is the most important thing for anyone in this in the world. It is what sets us apart from others. It’s our private domain.
In this book, for the two lovers, Chantal and Jean-Marc, their identities are as open as possible but still in their imaginations, they see a different person. Maybe it is the way we see others. Despite being very exposed about our identity to our loved one, we still have certain notions. The person maybe, is an open book but it might not seem so to us. What I like about the book is that the same situation has been told twice in different perspectives. That’s what is very interesting. And after reading it I had a different outlook apart from that of both the perceptions.
Jean-Marc knows that Chantal is his only link to the happiness in this world so he constantly worries about her, wants to make her happy always. He is afraid that she might get away from him. He does not really know her as he feels she isn’t what she seems. He doesn’t want the link between them to be lost. But he doesn’t know how to make her hold on to him. He does what he thinks is right and it kind of drives her away from him. And Chantal is on a look out for the identity of an anonymous admirer who sends her letters. The anonymous admirer keeps on writing about her and not a word about himself. She has this feeling that only he understands her. Not Jean-Marc. Now what happens after that……I can hardly tell it all.
One very important aspect I liked about the book is where Chantal thinks that we are not free from anything. We are constantly being hounded. Even in the womb, we are probed. Even after death, at times burial can’t escape speculations. One can be exhumed and quested upon. Only escape from it all is the crematory fire.
11 comments:
I like Kundera, but have not read this one. Will certainly be looking for it. Thank you.
I like Kundera though I admit not having read him in a while. I did however read this one and I loved it.
Here's mine
This is a new book to me. Sounds interesting.
This sounds very deep! I'm going to have to explore this one.
My first A-Z Wednesday is "In Cold Blood," and you'll find it here:
http://weboftyranny.blogspot.com/
Sounds like an interesting read.
I've too have never read this author's work, but it sounds a little deeper than I need right now. here's mine.
I have to agree with Irene. It sounds fascinating, but a little heavy for me, even if it is a farily short book.
This author is new to me, the book sounds interesting!
Thanks for playing!
Your books are always so intriguing!
Never read it, but pleased to read your review and to discover this author.
Oh, Kundera has been all over the radar. Another blogger has posted about The Unbearable Lightness of Being, which I found very profound in its evaluation of humanity. And how timely that bloggers are talking about him, because I'm bummed he didn't get the Nobel Prize.
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