Milan Kundera: Identity | Book Review

[@chrisschuck8812]

There are books and films in which a formerly passionate relationship, despite surface appearances of stability, is slowly falling apart and the reader can feel the oncoming tragedy. What made this novel feel different is that for all the recurring, unsettling moments of discordance, it doesn't map onto some underlying reality; there is no obvious rot or dysfunction or lack of connection that was driving it all. Just the ebb and flow of (hyper)consciousness for two people who are very sensitive to these experiences and keep reflecting on them, afraid to confide in one another, until their imaginations begin to run away with them. So at times the book is like an unfolding tragedy, but then other times it's a mirage. It's interesting that you mention Freud, because even before you brought him up I was thinking of his notion of the Uncanny and how some of the discordant moments come across that way, as if familiar people and settings are suddenly not so familiar. During your video it hit me how much I relate to the kind of experience you were describing, that odd disconnect and sudden chill, very far from home. I like to think he titled the book Identity to describe that uncanniness of periodically losing touch with your solid place in the world, your identity.

[@princess_irulan]

Thank you for this video. I have just read this novel and was looking some explanations to the feelings and emotions that I have after reading. The way you understood the meanings in this book have broaden up my understandings.

[@DavoodGozli]

Glad you enjoyed it!