SOLVED. persecution because of a joke [s]

[Magdalena]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for the title of the book mentioned in one of the episodes of the Israeli version of 'In Treatment' (BeTipul): the character describes the book as follows:
"the story about the man who tells a joke and the authorities think he's subversive so they persecute him his entire life."

I'd really appreciate it if anyone could help me. It rings the bell but too quietly it seems ;)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

It might be The Joke by Milan Kundera:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39...

"The Joke takes place in the 1950’s when the Communist Party ruled behind the Iron Curtain. The extent of Totalitarianism was that writing a bad joke about Trotsky on a postcard could land one in serious trouble with the dour authorities. This is what happens to Ludvik Jahn, who as a result of this joke loses his Party membership, is forced out of the university, and ends up serving in a military division for subversives and working in mines."

[Magdalena]

Thanks a lot for your help!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Glad I could help.

[Rainbowheart]

The Joke for the trackable link.