My thanks to Harper and NetGalley for an eARC of this title (October 2025).
But really, for Kundera completists only.
While I do appreciate Harper publishing his earlier, non-major, work, I do have an issue with them publishing it in small portions, at not inexpensive prices (similar to the earlier "A Kidnapped West" [2023]). One large volume would do the trick.
"89 Words" (1985) is a dictionary of his own of sorts. Expounding on some of his ideas and principles, but also his issue with translators. And it sounds like the early ones murdered his prose and ideas and style!
"Prague" is from 1980, and is nice background piece. Again, for Kundera completists only
I do enjoy Kundera, and find his insights and humor appealing. I just wish it was offered to us in large batches at a time. It appears that what we have been offered so far has been translated, and published in journals already. So it is not like Harper is waiting on a translation to be completed in order to publish the pieces.

If you're a fan of Milan Kundera then this book is a must-own. 89 Words is the reflective work on the meaning of words that forces us to consider our own favorite words and what they mean.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.