Reviews

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Only show reviews with written explanations

caroline_kroon's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark sad

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

leggup's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

You will feel like a creep reading this book. That said- incredibly well written. Most people who use the term "Lolita" in popular culture really need to read this book to understand what Nabokov meant.

myassisreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Well written but a really hard read because of how annoying the main guy is. I stopped at chapter 13

morgainlafeye's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I think I will need to revisit this book later on in my life, as its completely possible I wasn't in the right head space to really enjoy this book. I found myself having to force myself to finish it and even took a brief break to read another book.
I loved the language and prose. I found the details and symbolism beautiful and insightful. I felt the story drags some in the middle, but I'm willing to admit I sometimes am not in the correct mood and or mindset to properly appreciate the pace of literature.
I found the content disturbing and difficult to read. After reading some reviews on this site, I was able to acknowledge that you're supposed to be uncomfortable. I felt I connected too closely to Dolores' story to really be willing to accept the main character. I find it obvious he is narcissistic and unhealthy. As someone working on PTSD and therapy right now, which possibly puts for me, too much focus on health and not reliving or glorifying (or in my case, justifying) this kind of behavior.

My friend and co-conspiritor pointed out that we're supposed to see ourselves in this story and that is what makes it so poignant.