From the Bookshelf of Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)…

Lolita

Vladimir Nabokov

Start date: May 1, 2017

Finish date: May 31, 2017

Discussion: New School Classics- 1915-2005

Why we're reading this: Revisit the Shelf Reread, May 2017

Previous Reads:
Revisit the Shelf Reread, December 2015
Contemporary Clas…more
[close] Revisit the Shelf Reread, May 2017

Previous Reads:
Revisit the Shelf Reread, December 2015
Contemporary Classic Group Read, June 2014

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New School Classics- 1915-2005

Farewell, My Lovely - Spoilers
By Sara , New School Classics · 20 posts · 51 views

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The Stepford Wives - Spoilers
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What Members Thought

Jun 12, 2007 Suvi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: novels, _favorites, _north-america, 1940-1969, _europe-eastern, _david-bowies-favorites

Underneath the eloquence a shocking description about an immoral passion of a monster. Whatever Humbert Humbert claims, his twisted picture of the girl isn't reality. He's filling in the gaps himself and imagining something there is not, forcing the reader to see Lo with his eyes. How much of the story is actually true? The writing is superb, it's only hinting the surroundings but tells us so much. Nabokov's use of words and allusions is in fact so brilliant, that you can't help but have this co ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 Rachel rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, classics

Where was I when I read this in college? I remember thinking the language was beautiful, and being shocked to realize I had to have the sex scene pointed out to me in class. This time it was so glaringly obvious, and oh my god! Did I change? Am I a better or more observant reader now? All I can say is that this time I was horrified at the crimes described in this novel.

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 28, 2014 Robyn Gail rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics

4.5 stars

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 02, 2014 Heather L rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, group-read, 2014, banned-books

Finally finished! A little slow and plodding at times, but worth reading in the end and not quite what I expected. I'm still not quite sure what to make of it. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 04, 2014 Sandy rated it liked it

This is a very difficult book to rate. No denying it is very well written and Nabokov is brilliant with language. I knocked it down 1 star because of the subject matter and a certain yuck factor too the book. I know it is good to read books that are out of our comfort zone at times but this was just a bit too creepy for me.

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Jul 16, 2007 Kerith rated it really liked it

A book I'd never have appreciated without my Wuthering Heights experience (see that review if you're confused).

Great writing style - twisted and disturbing plot with complicated character development.

Unfortunately, a timeless theme in our society that values girls and the flightiness of teenagers as companions and partners over mature and thoughtful women. ...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Jason rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library, audio-book

Finally trying to read this book as an effort to understand how a book on such a gross and horrible subject can be so highly rated and adored as a classic by so many.

Great prose, wonderfully written, sickening content that was very disturbing to listen to. Would have given more stars, but based on the content I could not.

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