Description
The Joke” is a novel by Milan Kundera, originally published in 1967. It’s one of Kundera’s earlier works and is known for its exploration of themes such as identity, love, and the impact of political ideology.
The story revolves around Ludvik Jahn, a young Czechoslovakian man who makes a seemingly harmless joke about the Communist Party in a postcard to his girlfriend. However, the joke backfires, and Ludvik is expelled from university and sent to a re-education camp as punishment.
The novel then follows Ludvik’s reflections on his past, his relationships with women, and his experiences in the re-education camp. Through Ludvik’s story, Kundera explores the ways in which political systems can shape individual lives and relationships, as well as the role of memory and personal identity in the face of social and political upheaval.
“The Joke” is celebrated for its complex narrative structure, philosophical depth, and incisive social commentary. It’s considered one of Kundera’s seminal works and a key text in the canon of Czech literature.
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