A review by lorigirl1408
Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

I found myself confounded at many instances throughout this book. Many ideas felt incomplete, quite literally, with the use of ellipses and erratic dialogue. The plot was laborious for the first 150 pages until we really start to understand Cincinnatis’ character. Afterall, with no clear explanation of what “gnostical turpitude” is, there is little context by which to orient the reader to who Cincinnatus is. However, we begin to understand him through contrast to the other characters’ ostentatious, indulgent, and even foolish dispositions. Cincinnatus is  ruminative, sensitive (despite accusations to the contrary), gentle and even innocent in nature. There are several instances where he is referred to as a child, which makes his connection to Emmie and his students genuine. 

I have read other’s interpretations that this book is a commentary on the writers journey. I can see how that is a minor theme, but it seems more of an after thought. If Cincinnatus’ eleventh hour stroke of creativity is the crux of this book then, I’m afraid the month I spent pushing through this book feels wasted. Fortunately, I think there is a deeper message here; a personal one that is so much more relatable: the cost of an introspective life. That is, the challenges of connecting to even those loved ones closest to you when your values are not aligned. We find that Cincinnatus’ lack of interest in fine foods, vanity and carnal delights sets him apart from his wife, his jailers, M’sieur

Pierre, and presumably resulted in his incarceration to begin with. It is not until he realizes he need not be chained by their judgement of his differences that he is able to escape. 

Despite the confusion and frustration I felt while reading this book, the prose was delicious. Nabokov’s ability to make you feel that you are experiencing the setting first hand, and that you are witnessing the inner workings of the characters mind is unparalleled.