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ahmed92kira's review against another edition
5.0
عظيم كونديرا
من يتكلم عن كتاب، من يشرح مشهد من رواية، من يناقش موضوع يتعلق بالادب ... الكتاب كله ممتع للاخير
من يتكلم عن كتاب، من يشرح مشهد من رواية، من يناقش موضوع يتعلق بالادب ... الكتاب كله ممتع للاخير
rebcamuse's review
5.0
Milan Kundera's essay draws the curtain back to reveal the treasures of "die Weltliteratur" as he traces the threads of continuity in novels by Rabelais, Cervantes, Fielding, Dostoevsky, Kafka and many more. He eschews the cultural "isms" that weigh down our understanding of literature.
Although a work of non-fiction, The Curtain is a beautiful exposition on aesthetics as it is applied not only to literature, but to music as well. Kundera tells us to read and re-read with new eyes, unfettered by pre-imposed cultural and socio-economic distinctions.
As Kundera outlines the "fragility of human certainties" found is so much of the world's great literature and implores us to understand the true worth of the novel so that we can embrace both its history and its essence. This is a poetic work of literary criticism that will be a worthwhile read for anyone interested in literary art.
Although a work of non-fiction, The Curtain is a beautiful exposition on aesthetics as it is applied not only to literature, but to music as well. Kundera tells us to read and re-read with new eyes, unfettered by pre-imposed cultural and socio-economic distinctions.
As Kundera outlines the "fragility of human certainties" found is so much of the world's great literature and implores us to understand the true worth of the novel so that we can embrace both its history and its essence. This is a poetic work of literary criticism that will be a worthwhile read for anyone interested in literary art.
bengriffin's review against another edition
2.0
This didn't do much for me. Whether it was because I didn't give it my full attention or because I lack the familiarity with the novels discussed, I don't know. Mostly, it just seemed to be a bit precious and lacking the profound insights I would normally expect from Kundera. Rather than casting new light or opinions on the novel it seemed more like an excuse to wallow in his sophisticated choice of reading material. I definitely appear to be in the minority though, so perhaps I should try reading this again if I ever become more cultured. Maybe then it won't leave me feeling so cold.
neerajams's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed The Curtain, Milan Kundera's series of short essays on the history of the novel. It doesn't contain any earth-shattering insight, but its genius lies in Kundera's ability to take all of the various brief thoughts on literature that may have flitted in and out of your head and put them together far more concretely and concisely than you ever could.
On the whole, the essays are truly entertaining and very accessible. Though I haven't read many of the books he references (the expected list of Madame Bovary and Ulysses that are continuously on the back burner of my "to read" list but that I never actually plan to read), the examples are used in such a way that it doesn't matter.
Definitely worth reading for anyone who enjoys reading.
On the whole, the essays are truly entertaining and very accessible. Though I haven't read many of the books he references (the expected list of Madame Bovary and Ulysses that are continuously on the back burner of my "to read" list but that I never actually plan to read), the examples are used in such a way that it doesn't matter.
Definitely worth reading for anyone who enjoys reading.
hannahtosh's review against another edition
5.0
The passion Kundera writes with about reading is infectious, so much so that I would quote this book in its entirety if I could.
'Alas, miracles do not endure for long. What takes flight will one day come to earth. In anguish I imagine a time when art shall cease to seek out the never-said and will go docilely back into the service of the collective life that requires it to render repetition beautiful and help the individual merge, at peace and with joy, into the uniformity of being.
For the history of art is perishable. The babble of art is eternal.
'Alas, miracles do not endure for long. What takes flight will one day come to earth. In anguish I imagine a time when art shall cease to seek out the never-said and will go docilely back into the service of the collective life that requires it to render repetition beautiful and help the individual merge, at peace and with joy, into the uniformity of being.
For the history of art is perishable. The babble of art is eternal.