54 pages 1 hour read

Milan Kundera

The Joke

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Joke by Milan Kundera, first published in 1967, follows Ludvik Jahn, who faces severe repercussions under the Czech communist regime after sending a playful postcard deemed politically subversive. Expelled from the Communist Party and university, he endures hard labor, personal struggles, and eventual disillusionment as he navigates a life filled with bitterness and attempts at redemption. The book includes suicide, suicidal ideation, an attempted rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Milan Kundera's The Joke receives acclaim for its rich, complex exploration of individual vs. political identity, full of dark humor and satirical depth. Some readers, however, find the narrative dense and the characters less sympathetic. Still, it holds a strong place in modern literary canon for its insightful critique of totalitarianism.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Joke?

Readers who enjoy deep philosophical inquiries, dark humor, and political satire will appreciate Milan Kundera's The Joke. Comparable to George Orwell's 1984 and Franz Kafka's The Trial, this novel appeals to those interested in the absurdities of totalitarianism and the complexities of human relationships.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Satire

Historical Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Philosophy

History: World

Themes

Life/Time: The Past

Society: Nation

Society: Politics & Government