Great Works of Literature - The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is a philosophical novel that explores love, freedom, identity, and the choices that shape our lives against the backdrop of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Through the intertwined lives of Tomáš, Tereza, Sabina, and Franz, Kundera examines the tension between “lightness”—living without attachment or responsibility—and “weight”—embracing commitment, meaning, and consequence. Blending an intimate love story with reflections on politics, art, and existence, the novel invites readers to consider whether life is richer when lived freely and lightly or when anchored by purpose and enduring relationships.

• Toronto Public Library (print, ebook, audiobook) https://tpl.ca/
• Libby App – borrow free digital books with your library card - https://libbyapp.com/
• YouTube -
• Amazon – print and ebook editions

We are enthusiasts who get together once a month to read and discuss the great works of classical literature. We will explore authors such as Cervantes, Tolstoy, Oscar Wilde, Dante, Hemingway, Bulgakov, and Sartre, among many others, examining their stories, ideas, and timeless explorations of love, passion, and the human experience. Some of us are just beginning our reading journey, while others are more seasoned—but all are welcome in a relaxed, inclusive space built for curiosity, conversation, and a shared love of great books.

• Book 1 (Feb): A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemingway
• Book 2 (March): The Sea-Wolf – Jack London
• Book 3 (April): The Misanthrope – Molière
• Book 4 (May): Othello – William Shakespeare
• Book 5 (June): The Odyssey – Homer
• Book 6 (July): Steppenwolf - Hermann Hesse | Sunday, July 19 | 1:00–2:30 PM
• Book 7 (August): The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera | Sunday, August 23 | 1:00–2:30 PM

We look forward to meeting you and sharing a thoughtful, engaging conversation around some of the greatest books ever written.