The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

This novel contains many philosophical insights amongst two couples; one a complex love story and the other a fleeting relationship. Mainly it counters Nietzsche's philosophy that the decisions we make in life have weight.  One quote in particular stood out right away:

"We can never know what to want, because, living only one life, we can neither compare it with our previous lives nor perfect it in our lives to come."

Both of the main characters seem to have this dilemma in that they are tied together by some unknown and unexplainable love, but aren't sure what they really want other than to be together. Tomas even views this as a weight in his life. Towards the end of the novel Kundera also shares some interesting philosophical observations regarding shit (yep as in poo), and how it is perceived by people vs. animals and what the implications of that perception are.

The story mainly follows Tomas and Tereza with their love for each other that doesn't seem to make sense or have an obvious basis, but it's strong enough to carry them until the end of their lives. Tereza is somehow able to deal with the fact that Tomas takes numerous lovers throughout their years together and views herself as weak with the jealousy. While Tomas loves only his wife and perceives his womanizing as an exploration of the female. The book also follows Sabina, one of Tomas' main lovers, that he's had relations with since before Teresa entered his life. Sabina is a complex, artistic, and free spirit that opposes the communist influences of Russia through her art. Franz, a married professor in Geneva, falls for Sabina's lightness and allows it to influence his beliefs and view of how his life should be, but she doesn't like how he gives her light actions weight in their significance to him.

All of the characters in this novel are affected by the Russian take over of Prague and its aftermath. Tomas and Tereza move to Switzerland to escape for a while, but upon returning to Prague Tomas ends up losing his career. The only constant in their lives becomes their love and each others' presence.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being on Amazon.com