A Czech by birth and now a French citizen, Kundera is a critically acclaimed writer whose works have been translated into many languages. His father was a musician, lending him a taste for music in his early years, which he mentions in his work. A committed follower of socialism, he was shocked when his country was run over by Russian communists, destroying all creative institutions and banning writers. From that point onward, Kundera came across some very harsh experiences, inculcating in him a feeling of rebellion.

Kundera then began questioning the reality of the world and searching for answers to why people react in a certain manner in mind-boggling and unkind circumstances. He tried to live by music, but could not last long. He then ventured into film-making, but failed. This all led to him writing his first novel The Joke (1967), which he believed gave way to a sense of self-identity.

Kundera was shocked by the Russian takeover in 1968 and after seven years he moved to France. There he was granted citizenship in 1981. His early writings exhibit a pro-communist mindset which took a U-turn after the Russian occupation.

Kundera’s novels shun ideological marks. His literary production is a reflection of political parenthesis. His definition of a novel is also unique. He says that novel is the name of the inner pursuit of human existence. A novel, he says, should not be treated as a source of any kind of confession. He refuses to use it as a medium for describing social conditions or stating the obvious, for instance. A novel is only a novel when it unfurls an unknown aspect of human existence.

Exploring another characteristic, Kundera argues that the novel should not unravel a reality or ethos. Every character reveals his world and if they do not, the characters become lifeless. He further says that the novel is an artistic format with a capability of moving time easily. Underlying various aspects of the novel, Kundera further lays emphasis on the subject with variations like an allegro of music. Every part of the subject has its individual importance. A novel comes into being by combining all parts and every part is independent in its own way, with rhythm, tempo and articulation. Philosophically, Kundera is deeply influenced by the existentialism of the German writer Franz Kafka.

Novel ka Funn contains selected pieces by Kundera depicting these various aspects. Some of the chapters reflecting his ideology include ‘The Novel and Europe,’ ‘Notes Inspired by The Sleepwalkers,’ ‘The Art of Fiction,’ and ‘The Making of a Writer’ as well as interviews by Christian Salmon, Philip Roth and Jordan Elgrably.

A two-page note by Kundera reflects the agony he feels when he comes across translations in which he feels that his thoughts and compositions have been defaced. The explanation by Muhammad Umar Memon is an extended note on the perception and works by the eminent fiction writer. The translation itself is a piece of fascinating literary work.

Novel ka Funn

By Milan Kundera

Translated by Muhammad Umar Memon

Scheherazade, Karachi

ISBN 978-969-568-103-9

338pp.