Reviews with content warning for Violence - Lolita

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

66 reviews

stoleyourfoodinthelibrary's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-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

3.75

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shreelekha's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This broke my already abused heart into a million pieces. It is horrid and absolutely disgraceful even so the writing style is sooo beautiful and Nabokov truely outdid himself. Yet I will never be able to pick this book up again.

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ladylovestead's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Lolita is such an ubiquitous story that I think most of us know what it is about without having to read it. That being said, if you can handle the content, you absolutely should read it. This book has so many layers and nuances including bits of humor. I know that Nabokov is often criticized for "glorifying" pedophilia, but I think if you read this book carefully, you'll understand that he's actually doing quite the opposite. He is pointing out the ways pedophilia happen, what goes on in a predator's head to justify their behavior to themselves, why this is so dangerous, and why it is so abhorrent. I did think the story meandered a bit in the last third, but overall, I was captivated and really appreciate this book.

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go2hellstephanie's review against another edition

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dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Nabokov is truly on another level. His writing style is brilliant and masterful, and the way he can make you recoil without being graphic is a sign of his skill. Lolita is a class I'm glad I've reread, but I don't think I'll pick it up again.

Reading it as an adult, even only at 24, made me feel sick at points. Humbert Humbert is a villain in every sense of the word, and the fact that he realizes it and makes excuses makes him all the worse. His way of explaining away his pedophilia and excusing all his horrific deeds sets him as an eternal literary villain.

I can understand why this book gathered so much outrage when published; it is for sure not an easy read and is such a dark subject. But Nabokov's brilliance never lets you forget who Humbert Humbert truly is, even when being told entirely from his perspective.

The three stars are only because I could not read this book for more than 45 minutes at a time, and I don't think I can force myself to read it again. Absolutely brilliant writing of such a dark, evil topic.

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