From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
It blows my mind that Nabokov wrote this novel in something like his fourth language. His writing style is so sophisticated. In Lolita, I thought he told the story in a very direct manner and yet the overall feeling of the book seems aimless. Not easy to do.
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
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.
Disturbing and luminous. I actually listened to Jeremy Irons read this one on the way to work, which I wouldn't recommend, unless you're made of tougher stuff than me. Nobokov's prose is remarkable.
...more
Everyone should know a Humbert Humbert when they see one. This book will provide the scene and the devastation of a world from a sick man.
Mar 24, 2007
Yi-Sheng
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporaryclassics,
pomo
Dec 10, 2009
My work is never done
added it
Jan 24, 2011
erin
marked it as to-read
Jun 17, 2011
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Jun 25, 2013
Pamela
marked it as to-read
Jun 23, 2015
Tracy
marked it as to-read
