Review Date: 4/5/2013

Disappointing. A good book should be believable, this was not. The author weaves together absurd and obscure text in hopes of keeping you turning the pages, and presumably buying his future writings. On the plus side, if you like conspiracy theories then this book may interest you.

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Review Date: 9/15/2014

"Fiction," says my 6 year old. Yep, that's my review, too.

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Review Date: 9/6/2013

Helpful Score: 4

I laughed. I cried. I could relate even though I have never been stranded on an island and am past the age when a 20 year old would ever interest me romantically. Wonderful reading! I hope she writes more novels.

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Review Date: 3/5/2018

I had high hopes for this book. Catchy title, well designed cover, interesting synopsis. The book didn't live up to the hype. There were some cleverly written passages but overall the book was written by an insecure person, possibly narcissistic, to boost her ego. I didn't make it halfway before closing the book for good.

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Review Date: 5/14/2013

I enjoyed the in-depth development of the characters. A few times I lost patience because i couldn't see where the author was taking me. I read the first part of the book while multitasking and regretted it later on...pay attention to the subject of "lightness"...it's important. The four main characters are not immensely likable nor are they despicable in their character flaws. Kundera unfolds the story of their intersecting lives by delving into the depths of the intimate personality of each.

If you are a person who cannot put your morals in your pocket then this may not be the book for you. Tomas is married to Tereza but he has a daily appetite for other women, including Sabina. Tomas separates love and sex, Tereza cannot but is unable to leave Tomas and lives with almost debilitating anxiety as a result of his philandering. Sabina is a free-spirit, artist-type who was involved with Tomas and Franz. Franz left his wife and daughter to be with Sabina.

In a word, this book is about betrayal, not sex. It is not specifically about the physical act of sex but is about the meanings each character associates with sexuality, sexual participation, and love. The characters experiences with betrayal are portrayed in good detail...often in the realm of the bedroom which is the window to seeing into the psyche.

Overall, I liked it, didn't love it. Gave it 4-stars because Kundera is skilled with the use of language. Would have rated it higher if there were better transitions, as it is, I felt there were often abrupt endings/transitions that interfered with the flow.

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Review Date: 8/11/2013

Great storytelling. My gauge of a good book is how well I can relate to the central characters. This one had me in tears a few times as I sympathized with Beattie, the grandmother, and felt like she was someone dear to me that I wanted to protect and/or triumph over her oppressors (be they social stigma or real people). The storyline of Emma's (the granddaughter) struggles to reevaluate her life after a sudden end to a dazzling, hard-earned ballet career were satisfying in that she changes from a self-absorbed diva into a person you can cheer for. The story alternates between the two women. The book is a fast read and I highly recommend it.

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