Terminal Paradox: The Novels of Milan Kundera

by Maria Nemcova Banerjee, Maria Nemcova Baberjee

Book by Banerjee, Maria Nemcova

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Anne Earney · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's literary criticism, which I think I'm allergic to. Seven chapters, covering Kundera's first seven novels. I read each one after re-reading the novel. No way could I have gotten through this in one go. And I may have cheated a bit on the last chapter. There's a reason I have an MFA instead of an MA, and it's the same reason I avoided lit classes as an undergrad. I just don't like this way of thinking. That being said, I think Kundera's novels lend themselves to this kind of analysis moreso than many others, because he brings in so much philosophy, history and analysis himself.

The author of this work is probably brilliant, but if I never read another line like the following, I'll be okay:

"This grammatical enjambment leaps over the border of two seemingly symmetrical four-line strophes in an effect that the design of this novel will reproduce more than once by vaulting a motif across the delimitation of the seven constituent parts."

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very difficult read but well worth it. Expertly written by my Smith Russian Literature professor. Each chapter is about a specific Kundera novel. So illuminating, it makes me want to re-read all the books all over again to soak in all the information. This book stretched my brain beyond belief. Anyone interested in psychology and relationships, and how we all fit together in this crazy world will love this. Be prepared to study your way through--your mind will grow in all sorts of directions.