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museofmages's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
casparb's review against another edition
3.0
A solid piece of early Nabokov - one of the Russian novels, but translated by the author so perhaps there's some flexibility there. One of his finer titles, in my opinion: eerie, yet brushing at sensual immediacy. This is enriched further by the last third or so of the novel.
We see here Nabokov poking at some of the themes he'd explore with a great deal more artistic deftness twenty years later, in Lolita. I didn't mind that these ideas weren't really pulled to fruition, as Nabokov twists and turns the novels into quite different areas of overlapping cuckoldries and other inhibitions.
Recommend for the Nabokovians - it's certainly a strong showing from him. Amusingly (darkly) autobiographical at times, but entertaining all the while.
We see here Nabokov poking at some of the themes he'd explore with a great deal more artistic deftness twenty years later, in Lolita. I didn't mind that these ideas weren't really pulled to fruition, as Nabokov twists and turns the novels into quite different areas of overlapping cuckoldries and other inhibitions.
Recommend for the Nabokovians - it's certainly a strong showing from him. Amusingly (darkly) autobiographical at times, but entertaining all the while.
pinkhydroflask's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
crucius's review against another edition
4.0
Relentlessly depressing, deceivingly mundane, Laughter in the Dark is a lot similar to The Great Gatsby but I still prefer Nabokov's writing style. An engaging book.
flaneussy's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly, I’ve read so much Vlad Nab back-to-back for the past month that I’m not even sure how to properly review this one. It was fun to read, fairly quick, and not terribly complex (at least, not in relation to most of his other work). It was also really funny, in a sadistic sort of way. At this point, I’m used to Nabokov mediating on obsession, so this is one of many angles. I will say that the whole thing felt very cinematic (which is reflected in the language, obvi), and it’s always interesting to trace the wells of inspiration that Vlad Nab draws from.
(Also, Rex is an interesting character!)
(Also, Rex is an interesting character!)
stindex's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
It’s like unrefined Lolita with no self-reflection from the pedophile character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Death, Pedophilia, Bullying, Child death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
Moderate: Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Sexism