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89 Words followed by Prague, A Disappearing Poem
Two newly translated works from one of the greatest literary writers and thinkers of the modern age, available together in English for the first time.
Translating a work from its original language can be complicated; it’s a complex art that can easily mar and twist the intent and meaning of a writer’s words. Precise translations were of particular importance to Milan Kundera, who did not live to see all his books published in his native Czech language. Words, for Kundera, were the object of constant scrutiny.
This fascinating volume includes two Kundera works from the 1980s, originally written for the now defunct French magazine Le Debat, which have never been available in in English. In “89 Words,” Kundera wryly recounts the many pitfalls in reading his own poorly translated works. When a friend of Kundera’s asked him about the words he considered the most—the ones he fretted over and loved—Kundera created a personal dictionary—his “89 Words.” This discerning essay, steeped in his signature barbed cheekiness, showcases his casually gutting philosophical reflections on what it means to be a writer in translation—the exile of life and art in another language.
In the second work, “ A Disappearing Poem,” Kundera writes with a wistfulness and despair for his ever-more-distant home, offering an intimate look at the specificity of his native the richness of a heritage born in a “small nation” but whose significance is universal. Here, like in A Kidnapped West, we find the double condemnation of “Soviet civilization,” which had suffocated and persecuted Czech culture, and of Western Europe, which refused to neither acknowledge Kundera’s culture or understand it.
Prefaced by lauded French historian Pierre Nora and translated from the French by award-winning Matt Reeck, these two texts return us to Kundera’s much-missed living presence. Subtle, alive, and full of wit and irony, 89 Words followed by A Poem that Disappears is an homage to a literary legend and a reminder of just how prescient his words and insights are today.
Translating a work from its original language can be complicated; it’s a complex art that can easily mar and twist the intent and meaning of a writer’s words. Precise translations were of particular importance to Milan Kundera, who did not live to see all his books published in his native Czech language. Words, for Kundera, were the object of constant scrutiny.
This fascinating volume includes two Kundera works from the 1980s, originally written for the now defunct French magazine Le Debat, which have never been available in in English. In “89 Words,” Kundera wryly recounts the many pitfalls in reading his own poorly translated works. When a friend of Kundera’s asked him about the words he considered the most—the ones he fretted over and loved—Kundera created a personal dictionary—his “89 Words.” This discerning essay, steeped in his signature barbed cheekiness, showcases his casually gutting philosophical reflections on what it means to be a writer in translation—the exile of life and art in another language.
In the second work, “ A Disappearing Poem,” Kundera writes with a wistfulness and despair for his ever-more-distant home, offering an intimate look at the specificity of his native the richness of a heritage born in a “small nation” but whose significance is universal. Here, like in A Kidnapped West, we find the double condemnation of “Soviet civilization,” which had suffocated and persecuted Czech culture, and of Western Europe, which refused to neither acknowledge Kundera’s culture or understand it.
Prefaced by lauded French historian Pierre Nora and translated from the French by award-winning Matt Reeck, these two texts return us to Kundera’s much-missed living presence. Subtle, alive, and full of wit and irony, 89 Words followed by A Poem that Disappears is an homage to a literary legend and a reminder of just how prescient his words and insights are today.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1985
16 people are currently reading
2853 people want to read
About the author
Milan Kundera
185 books19k followersMilan Kundera (1 April 1929 – 11 July 2023) was a Czech and French novelist. He went into exile in France in 1975, acquiring citizenship in 1981. His Czechoslovak citizenship was revoked in 1979, but he was granted Czech citizenship in 2019.
Kundera wrote in Czech and French. He revises the French translations of all his books; people therefore consider these original works as not translations. He is best known for his novels, including The Joke (1967), The Book of Laughter and Forgetting (1979), and The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984), all of which exhibit his extreme though often comical skepticism.
Kundera wrote in Czech and French. He revises the French translations of all his books; people therefore consider these original works as not translations. He is best known for his novels, including The Joke (1967), The Book of Laughter and Forgetting (1979), and The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984), all of which exhibit his extreme though often comical skepticism.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 5, 2025
This is an audiobook that should be listened to twice through. It is somewhat dense for audio listening, and may do better reading the words. However, that was the copy that I had and did not have the opportunity to listen through twice. The work is short enough that it can be read entirely in one day.
The introduction gives a very brief biography of Milan Kundera. The second section is the essay 89 Words. These are the words Kundera found important or significant, and often appear in his novels.
The last section is the essay/poem called: Prague, A Disappearing Poem. It does start out like poetry but ends up more similar to an essay. It discusses Prague and some of its history.
It was said this is a good introduction to Kundera’s works. I have read three of his books, although it was quite some time ago, they are not fresh in my memory. However, I believe one would do better having familiarity with Kundera’s novels. Often he refers to characters and situations located in his books and it would help to be acquainted with those.
Kundera speaks often about the words in his translations. Sometimes the translator gives a different word or phrase than what Kundera was trying to get across in his writings. Also, how some translations were done from another translation, and meaning there got distorted at times. Certainly this can be a problem with all translations.
Book rating: 3.5
Thanks to HarperAudio Adult, William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced audio copy of this book.
The introduction gives a very brief biography of Milan Kundera. The second section is the essay 89 Words. These are the words Kundera found important or significant, and often appear in his novels.
The last section is the essay/poem called: Prague, A Disappearing Poem. It does start out like poetry but ends up more similar to an essay. It discusses Prague and some of its history.
It was said this is a good introduction to Kundera’s works. I have read three of his books, although it was quite some time ago, they are not fresh in my memory. However, I believe one would do better having familiarity with Kundera’s novels. Often he refers to characters and situations located in his books and it would help to be acquainted with those.
Kundera speaks often about the words in his translations. Sometimes the translator gives a different word or phrase than what Kundera was trying to get across in his writings. Also, how some translations were done from another translation, and meaning there got distorted at times. Certainly this can be a problem with all translations.
Book rating: 3.5
Thanks to HarperAudio Adult, William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced audio copy of this book.
November 9, 2024
Винаги е удоволствие, ако ще и Кундера да говори и за чорапите си, което той не прави, защото е доста над битовизмите и техните дребни проявления.
Изданието съдържа две есета, писани и издадени през 80-те години във френското списание "Льо Деба" и чийто редактор ги обединява и издавана в отделна книга след смъртта на автора миналата година. Ако харесвате Кундера и сте го чели, прочетете ги, ще спечелите поредната хубава среща с него. Ако пък не сте чели нищо негово и се чудите дали да започнете с тази книга само защото е кратка, не се опитвайте, нищо няма да разберете. Подходете по-сериозно и действайте с някой роман.
Изданието съдържа две есета, писани и издадени през 80-те години във френското списание "Льо Деба" и чийто редактор ги обединява и издавана в отделна книга след смъртта на автора миналата година. Ако харесвате Кундера и сте го чели, прочетете ги, ще спечелите поредната хубава среща с него. Ако пък не сте чели нищо негово и се чудите дали да започнете с тази книга само защото е кратка, не се опитвайте, нищо няма да разберете. Подходете по-сериозно и действайте с някой роман.
November 27, 2025
In my kundERA
February 22, 2025
"Bellezza, l’ultima possibile vittoria dell’uomo che non ha più speranza. Bellezza nell’arte: luce repentinamente accesa del mai-detto. Questa luce che si irradia dai grandi romanzi, il tempo non riesce a offuscarla: poiché infatti l’esistenza umana viene costantemente dimenticata dall’uomo, le scoperte dei romanzieri, per quanto vecchie, non cesseranno mai di stupirci." (pp. 51, 52)
December 14, 2025
A great intro to Kundera’s world! I enjoyed every bit of it
October 4, 2024
"МУЗУМРАЗЕЦ. Не е страшно да нямаш усет за изкуството. Можеш да не четеш Пруст, да не слушаш Шуберт и пак да си живееш спокойно. Само че музомразецът не си живее спокойно. Той се чувства унизен от съществуването на нещо, което не разбира, затова го мрази. Съществува популярно музомразие, така както има популярен антисемитизъм. Фашистките и комунистическите режими умееха да се възползват от него, когато преследваха модерното изкуство. Но съществува и интелектуално, изтънчено музомразие - то си отмъщава на изкуството, като го подчинява на цел, разположена отвъд естетиката. Доктрината на ангажираното изкуство - изкуството като средство на определена политика. Различните специалисти, за които произведението на изкуството е само претекст за прилагането на определен метод (психоаналитичен, семиологичен, социологичен и т.н.). Апокалипсисът на изкуството ще настъпи, когато музомразците сами се нагърбят да правят изкуство. Така ще се осъществи тяхното историческо отмъщение."
October 8, 2024
Credevo di trovare qualcosa di più sconvolgente, ma è uno sguardo interessante su Praga. Veloce indolore
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November 17, 2025The concert of reading a translated book on the betrayals of translation
October 20, 2025
Years after reading Milan Kundera for the last time, his 89 Words is like "fresh air".
From someone who constantly thinks about everything, all the time, to someone who is just the same.
On the first page, of this new book, Kundera writes: "Translation is like a woman: either beautiful or faithful."
I would say that translation for it to be any good has to explain the written words precisely, but also explain the unwritten thoughts/ideas that went into (or didn't) the writing being translated.
Just like there is verbal communication, there is also body language (intention, perception, unsaid communication) that sometimes is essential to the understanding of the book, poem, story, ideas being written/published.
For instance, if one is not aware that Japanese have a specific poem called Haiku, then translating it raw, but precise, losing it's creative format, style and context, is lost. If this is lost, then the translation translates the written words, but not the author's intention.
I entered my first Amazon: Goodreads Raffle for a copy of this book. Because the length of the sweepstakes is so long, I could not help myself and read this really short, new, Milan Kundera book that is just 76 pages long, of those total pages, real writing by Kundera is less than 45 pages. 45 pages to me, today, is like a snapshot, 10-15 minutes to read, way too short to be memorable, but way too important not to read now.
Today, if a book is not 8-12-20-24 thousand pages I struggle to find reasons to dare to read it (even if it's from an author that writes well, has written good books or has entertained/informed/educated me before.
I recommend Milan Kundera. His thinking, his style, his ideas are different, like fresh air to me. Being a Cold War dissident from Czech Republic, describes so little of the gargantuan achievement that it was to escape the "Iron Curtain" for Socialist France, the "Cultural Capital of the World".
From someone who constantly thinks about everything, all the time, to someone who is just the same.
On the first page, of this new book, Kundera writes: "Translation is like a woman: either beautiful or faithful."
I would say that translation for it to be any good has to explain the written words precisely, but also explain the unwritten thoughts/ideas that went into (or didn't) the writing being translated.
Just like there is verbal communication, there is also body language (intention, perception, unsaid communication) that sometimes is essential to the understanding of the book, poem, story, ideas being written/published.
For instance, if one is not aware that Japanese have a specific poem called Haiku, then translating it raw, but precise, losing it's creative format, style and context, is lost. If this is lost, then the translation translates the written words, but not the author's intention.
I entered my first Amazon: Goodreads Raffle for a copy of this book. Because the length of the sweepstakes is so long, I could not help myself and read this really short, new, Milan Kundera book that is just 76 pages long, of those total pages, real writing by Kundera is less than 45 pages. 45 pages to me, today, is like a snapshot, 10-15 minutes to read, way too short to be memorable, but way too important not to read now.
Today, if a book is not 8-12-20-24 thousand pages I struggle to find reasons to dare to read it (even if it's from an author that writes well, has written good books or has entertained/informed/educated me before.
I recommend Milan Kundera. His thinking, his style, his ideas are different, like fresh air to me. Being a Cold War dissident from Czech Republic, describes so little of the gargantuan achievement that it was to escape the "Iron Curtain" for Socialist France, the "Cultural Capital of the World".
October 28, 2025
“Characters are shrinking in today’s novels … I imagine literature’s death: little by little, without anyone realizing it, characters will become so small that they’re completely invisible.”
I was really intrigued by the premise of 89 Words: Kundera is disappointed in translations of his work from Czech and, while he attempts to write in French, he collects these 89 French words (or phrases) that are dear to him. I find this section in itself quite a brave undertaking by the translator, Matt Reeck, as the semantics of individual words, meanings, and synonyms are often hard to pinpoint from one language to another (in this case, French to English).
This section is rewarding for Kundera fans because he analyses many of the words central to the titles or plots of his books; for example, “ugly,” “lightness,” or “laughter.”
In Prague, A Disappearing Poem, Kundera looks at Prague through its literary tradition and history, citing authors such as Kafka, Hašek, and Čapek. A bit over my head with all the references.
I would recommend this volume for fans of Kundera who have consumed a great deal of his work. Otherwise, his reflections may not be as impactful. I requested this because I was interested in Kundera’s work, but I will need to return to this one day when I have read more of his bibliography.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.
I was really intrigued by the premise of 89 Words: Kundera is disappointed in translations of his work from Czech and, while he attempts to write in French, he collects these 89 French words (or phrases) that are dear to him. I find this section in itself quite a brave undertaking by the translator, Matt Reeck, as the semantics of individual words, meanings, and synonyms are often hard to pinpoint from one language to another (in this case, French to English).
This section is rewarding for Kundera fans because he analyses many of the words central to the titles or plots of his books; for example, “ugly,” “lightness,” or “laughter.”
In Prague, A Disappearing Poem, Kundera looks at Prague through its literary tradition and history, citing authors such as Kafka, Hašek, and Čapek. A bit over my head with all the references.
I would recommend this volume for fans of Kundera who have consumed a great deal of his work. Otherwise, his reflections may not be as impactful. I requested this because I was interested in Kundera’s work, but I will need to return to this one day when I have read more of his bibliography.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.
September 22, 2024
Un libro che è un ritratto di Praga, della sua storia culturale e delle figure di spicco che l’hanno rappresentata nelle diverse arti. Dopo l’invasione russa della Cecoslovacchia, avvenuta nel 1968 Kundera descrive Praga come «un foglio di carta in fiamme / dove scompare la poesia».
Infatti, il regime totalitario non ha solo eliminato diritti e democrazia ma anche appiattito la cultura locale. Le descrizioni dei lavori di artisti come Kafka, Hašek e Janacek fanno così riemergere quello che è stato inabissato. Lo scritto comprende anche un dizionario personale dell’autore (Ottantanove parole) che chiarisce le «parole chiave» della sua poetica e dei suoi romanzi (anche per "proteggerle" dalle imprecisioni della traduzione, soprattutto in francese). Un libro interessante, soprattutto per curiosare nello stile dell’autore.
"Arriva il momento in cui l’immagine della nostra vita si separa dalla vita stessa, diventa indipendente e comincia, a poco poco, a dominarci"
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Infatti, il regime totalitario non ha solo eliminato diritti e democrazia ma anche appiattito la cultura locale. Le descrizioni dei lavori di artisti come Kafka, Hašek e Janacek fanno così riemergere quello che è stato inabissato. Lo scritto comprende anche un dizionario personale dell’autore (Ottantanove parole) che chiarisce le «parole chiave» della sua poetica e dei suoi romanzi (anche per "proteggerle" dalle imprecisioni della traduzione, soprattutto in francese). Un libro interessante, soprattutto per curiosare nello stile dell’autore.
"Arriva il momento in cui l’immagine della nostra vita si separa dalla vita stessa, diventa indipendente e comincia, a poco poco, a dominarci"
⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 14, 2025
His 89 words peaked in its mediation on translation, and suffered in his points on women. The real gem is in Prague, a Disappearing Poem, where Kundera locates the centre of the centuries old Czech identity problem in the literature and the arts. The Czech struggle between West/East is brought to the forefront here in an unabashed appraisal of the Czech western identity. A very interesting insight into a cultural struggle.
December 25, 2024
Великолепен Кундера.
За целия си живот като читател до ден-днешен не съм усещала толкова силна връзка с писател така, както с него. От стила му на писане — разпознаваем от първия ред — през идеите, които защитава (специално в тази книга), до въпросите, които поставя, които остават. Толкова близък, толкова важен, толкова насъщен.
С благодарност към преводачите и издателите му в България.
За целия си живот като читател до ден-днешен не съм усещала толкова силна връзка с писател така, както с него. От стила му на писане — разпознаваем от първия ред — през идеите, които защитава (специално в тази книга), до въпросите, които поставя, които остават. Толкова близък, толкова важен, толкова насъщен.
С благодарност към преводачите и издателите му в България.
October 15, 2025
Translations of 2 pieces from 1985. Clever and interesting commentary on 89 important concepts/words in his work, and a sort of cultural commentary on his country. I thoroughly enjoyed this short read, and I'm glad it was preserved for us English readers. Reminded me why I like Kundera, since his late novellas weren't all that engaging...
June 5, 2024
Non ci riconosco la Praga d'oggi - ci sento l'eco di cent'anni fa. È la poesia di cui parla Kundera già scomparsa? Nemmeno posso saperlo - non l'ha conosciuta io. Contuttociò mi sembra che riconoscerla sia un lavoro anziché un passatempo che si prenda alla leggera.
November 6, 2025
4 ⭐️
This book is fascinating, especially in the eyes of a linguist. All the nuances around translating in a different language are spelled out and examined against the original writer's message and intent.
This book is fascinating, especially in the eyes of a linguist. All the nuances around translating in a different language are spelled out and examined against the original writer's message and intent.
November 24, 2024
C'était la deuxième partie de l'ouvrage qui m'intéressait pour mieux comprendre la ville de Prague. J'aurais aimé avoir ce petit texte plus tôt quand je déambulais dans les rues de la capitale.
December 25, 2024
Un piccolo libro molto denso utile a capire un po’ meglio il mondo che ci circonda.
December 27, 2024
"Европа на малките нации е една друга Европа, тя има друг поглед и мисълта й често формира истинския контрапункт на Европа на големите"
Из "Прага, една изчезнала поема"
Из "Прага, една изчезнала поема"
May 20, 2025
Bello anzi bellissimo!!!!! Che grande scrittore e che belle riflessioni
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November 24, 2025A must read if you are a fan of Milan Kundera !!!
[Edited] This is an essay so I’ve removed my initial rating.
[Edited] This is an essay so I’ve removed my initial rating.
May 7, 2025
My thanks to Harper and NetGalley for an eARC of this title (October 2025).
But really, for Kundera completists only.
While I do appreciate Harper publishing his earlier, non-major, work, I do have an issue with them publishing it in small portions, at not inexpensive prices (similar to the earlier "A Kidnapped West" [2023]). One large volume would do the trick.
"89 Words" (1985) is a dictionary of his own of sorts. Expounding on some of his ideas and principles, but also his issue with translators. And it sounds like the early ones murdered his prose and ideas and style!
"Prague" is from 1980, and is nice background piece. Again, for Kundera completists only
I do enjoy Kundera, and find his insights and humor appealing. I just wish it was offered to us in large batches at a time. It appears that what we have been offered so far has been translated, and published in journals already. So it is not like Harper is waiting on a translation to be completed in order to publish the pieces.
But really, for Kundera completists only.
While I do appreciate Harper publishing his earlier, non-major, work, I do have an issue with them publishing it in small portions, at not inexpensive prices (similar to the earlier "A Kidnapped West" [2023]). One large volume would do the trick.
"89 Words" (1985) is a dictionary of his own of sorts. Expounding on some of his ideas and principles, but also his issue with translators. And it sounds like the early ones murdered his prose and ideas and style!
"Prague" is from 1980, and is nice background piece. Again, for Kundera completists only
I do enjoy Kundera, and find his insights and humor appealing. I just wish it was offered to us in large batches at a time. It appears that what we have been offered so far has been translated, and published in journals already. So it is not like Harper is waiting on a translation to be completed in order to publish the pieces.
June 4, 2025
I love Kundera's writing man
April 16, 2025
Un piccolo saggio interessante su Praga e un’appendice - quella sul piccolo vocabolario essenziale di Kundera - molto piacevole per coloro che amano l’autore(e hanno già letto molti dei suoi libri, essendo pieno di spoiler). C’è da dire che ci vuole un certo coraggio a far pagare questo librino di cento pagine scarse dodici euro…
Consigliato solo se avete già letto e amate Kundera, altrimenti meglio acquistare i suoi romanzi.
Consigliato solo se avete già letto e amate Kundera, altrimenti meglio acquistare i suoi romanzi.
November 1, 2023
Très intéressants écrits de Kundera avec de précieux renseignements sur ce qu'il s'est passé avec la culture tchèque et comment Kundera juge qu'elle a été considérée par les pays d'Europe occidentale.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews