I've only read half of it but must review it because it really belongs on another list-

"Books that men keep on their shelves to impress ladies."

(But the half that I remember was cool. . .dude who sleeps with zillions of chicks in Czech. . .Czech. . .checkoslovakiathatplacenexttotheformerUSSR.

Like most Twentieth Century Literature, it is strongly based on immoral themes. Takes place in 1960's Czechoslovakia. Is well-written and will appeal to a progressive crowd. I don't find that anyone is any better of a person for having read classics like this and Lolita, though one might find them entertaining.

This book works on so many levels. Not only does it explore the complex relationships that form with romance, it examines Franz' struggle with his own identity in context with society. Kundera writes so well about identies and how people form their own. It is facsinating to see Tomas and Tereza form their own identities in light of their relationship and how Sabina influences it. Being an avid fan of Tolstoy, I also love the irony of the dog's name, Karenin.

According to Kundera, there are two broad classes of womanizers in the world - "Epic" womanizers, who strive to sleep with as many women as humanly possible, and "Lyrical" womanizers who are in constant search of a female reflection of themselves - and unable to find her, sleep with more and more women. "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" tells the story of an Epic womanizer, who has slept with thousands of woman, but can only comfortably fall asleep with one. Strangely poignant, this book takes a very honest look at the dynamics that make up relationships between men and women. I strongly recommend it.