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octaviaperelis's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
It had good parts but god I hated it. It was so much longer than what it needed to be. There are chapters that are way to long and unnecessary. I feel so much happier now that I never have to pick up that book again.
marcird's review against another edition
3.0
The prose was unlike anything I've ever read. But the book moves soooo slowly it was really challenging to keep up with it. I really didn't like it as much as I felt I "should."
mdschance's review against another edition
5.0
It may be extremely morbid, but Mr. Nabokov has a way of pulling you in with his poetic prose thus making you forget that you are, after all, reading the story of a pedophile.
misfitnightmare's review against another edition
dark
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
lia_the_imp's review against another edition
3.0
This book is full of the most poetic prose I've ever read, but the subject matter (pedophile man takes 12 year old girl/step-daughter on rape-filled cross-country road trip) is very disturbing. Granted, it is interesting as a psychological study as Humbert falls into paranoia and guilt, and it is up to the reader to decide which of his actions are permissible or condemnable, but I can't say definitively that the style redeems the subject matter in my view. I sometimes am a fan of dark, disturbing, and even disgusting subject matter, but I don't know. Nabokov didn't include a bias against Humbert in the novel or any sort of moral standing on the subject matter at hand, which is wild to me but maybe makes the novel more immersing? There are a lot of problematic & misogynistic details within these pages that really turn me off, but I kept reading because I needed closure on what happened to Dolores. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone, but I would pick up another book by Nabokov in the future (Pale Fire is probably next, but I’d take suggestions). Although I recognize the importance of how this book can empower people who have lived mirror experiences to Dolores, it can equally act as a trigger. I don't think the book should be banned for its contents, I just think people should be mindful going into it. Not every book is for everyone and that’s okay. I both enjoyed it and I didn’t; I expect that most readers have the same reaction.
dani_romo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
atablewithbrokenlegs's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 really. Guy's a great writer; clever and funny. But I guess I have to let this one marinade a bit before I give it another shot.
estellaiyy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
teodora_vv's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This is not a good book and i do not see what gave it the status of a classic. The story is by no means interesting and i truly believe the only people who liked it are men who look at little girls the same way Humbert Humbert does. This book fails to be a critique of pedofilia and is in more ways explaining it and finding excuses. It is extremely slow paced and takes ages to get to the point. The only reason i didnt give it 1 star is because i can recognise that the style of writing is of a high quality. Do not buy this book, if you want to read it get it from a library, but id say dont waste your time.
suminlee834's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5