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Pnin
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Russian author

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What Members Thought

Sera
Although this book has its comic moments, I found it to be an overall sad story. I also kept thinking as I read the book whether it was somewhat autobiographical in nature. Pnin's living in many countries throughout this life mirrors to some extent the experience of Nabokov. Pnin's inability to settle down in one area leads to him feeling disconnected and like an outsider looking in. However, Pnin has been working at the university for 9 years and is ready to put his roots into the local communi ...more
Lara
Jan 26, 2024 rated it really liked it
A comic trifle of a book with Nabokov's wonderful word play and sense of the absurd. He was such a snob and there are so many deliciously catty asides in the book. He clearly hated psychology and saves some of his sharpest barbs for the psychology professors and their surveys and studies that are supposed to glean deep insights into human behavior. The book would simply be clever and slight if he didn't so poignantly capture the pain of nostalgia for an immigrant. Missing the landscape of home, ...more
Lisa of Hopewell
Mar 09, 2024 marked it as to-read
I knew of this book, but decided to read it based on this review: https://thoughtsonpapyrus.com/2023/12... ...more
Patty
Jan 18, 2008 rated it really liked it
i can't find a copy. i guess i have to go to the library this weekend. ...more
Katie
Jul 10, 2008 rated it really liked it
Juliana Philippa
Dec 22, 2009 marked it as to-read
Daisy
Feb 05, 2010 rated it really liked it
My work is never done
Dec 03, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Pam
May 03, 2012 marked it as to-read
Micha
Dec 21, 2012 marked it as to-read
Claire Fun
Jan 18, 2013 marked it as to-read
Shelves: short
Jade
Aug 05, 2013 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: favorites
Tanya
Aug 07, 2013 marked it as to-read
Shelves: list-1001-btrbyd
silly_soup
Dec 02, 2013 marked it as to-read
Shelves: novels
Rebekah
Jan 05, 2014 marked it as to-read
Shelves: e-book, 1001-import
Rajivi
Oct 23, 2014 rated it really liked it
Phoebe
Apr 24, 2015 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Dana Arbelaez
Jun 20, 2016 marked it as to-read
Dianne
Nov 22, 2020 marked it as to-read
Ann
Feb 19, 2021 marked it as to-read
Bill
Nov 05, 2022 marked it as to-read
Grace
Feb 04, 2024 marked it as to-read
Curlysue
Feb 22, 2024 marked it as to-read
Shelves: classics
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