Kundera and Modernity

Comparative Cultural Studies

by Liisa Steinby

While a large amount of scholarship about Milan Kunderas work exists, in Liisa Steinbys opinion his work has not been studied within the context of (European) modernity as a sociohistorical and a cultural concept. Of course, he is considered to be a modernist writer (some call him even a postmodernist), but what the broader concept of modernity intellectually, historically, socially, and culturally means for him and how this is expressed in his texts has not been thoroughly examined. Steinbys book fills this vacuum by analyzing Kunderas novels from the viewpoint of his understanding of the existential problems in the culture of modernity. In addition, his relation to those modernist novelists from the first half of the twentieth century who are most important for him is scrutinized in detail. Steinbys Kundera and Modernity is intended for students of modernism in literary and (comparative) cultural studies, as well as those interested in European and Central European studies. Key Points: Offers new insights into the work of the popular modern writer Milan Kundera. Expands the readers understanding of the meaning of the concept of modernity. Widens the literature available in English about Central European culture.

260 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

AKA Liisa Saariluoma

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I come to this book with no previous background knowledge of European literary history or literature composition. This analysis becomes a surprisingly personal read, and arises much interest in me about the big picture the book sets in.