53 - Milan Kundera's The Joke Examined

What do you call it when a cynical intellectual, a loyal party member, and a Moravian folklorist walk into a bar?
A joke!
Or rather, The Joke. Milan Kundera’s 1968 debut novel, that is. Join Nathan, David, and Nick for a lengthy - and tricky - discussion on the individual vs. the collective, the tendency of history to turn into myth, and tips for the best way to unassumingly hide a bunch of laxatives. Is this Kundera jam only a political novel, or does it use a political setting as a way to chase a deeper, more broadly applicable truth? Listen in to find out (but check your Trotskyite humor at the door, obviously).

[@debojyotipanda938]

This book has one of the greatest last 50 pages I have ever read. Simply inspired, sublime writing in the final sequence.

[@booksosubstance]

Indeed!

[@reeeeeeeam511]

I finished this book 10 minutes ago for my senior university class. This book is unbelievably rich with emotion, philosophy, politics, love, time etc etc etc. Fantastic discussion, great humor, and good touchstone for my paper on this

[@booksosubstance]

Awesome. So glad you enjoyed the podcast. Kundera is wonderful, and this book is great.

[@ellensoto2770]

Guys love you, because I was looking for this.
I read the book when I was in my university.
I really need refresher.

[@booksosubstance]

Such a good book. Such a good author. Glad you enjoyed it. We need to read more Milan!

[@rosiesamuel8562]

Loving the discussion🤩

[@booksosubstance]

Loving the listeners.

[@Bookspine5]

Another interesting book for the list :)

[@thedjdominator]

Loving this!

[@booksosubstance]

Awesome. Thank you for listening.

[@marypladsen5231]

Well then. Is it worth it to remember anything? Keep in mind I'm old and sometimes I struggle.

[@ellensoto2770]

I love Milán, his birthday is coming.
Celebrate his books , his life and talent.

[@booksosubstance]

A genius.

[@Spiritualworld33]

😁😁

[@thomasholbritter3742]

First 🎧😎📚🤔

[@booksosubstance]

🤘

[@dirkbastardrelief]

Don't trust anyone over 30. Or listen to anyone under 30. If they're exactly 30... I dunno. Give them a year?