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The first half is wonderful. The story brilliantly introduces the protagonist, and there are a number moments where the writing is sublime. When Nabokov is inspired, his descriptive use of language is beautiful.
The second half, with its heavy emphasis on academic teaching and introduction of many random characters was far less absorbing.
I would hate to call it boring, but the conclusion didn’t really grab my attention or move me as much as I had hoped. I felt the exact same with another novel of his, Transparent Things.
I guess I’m a little disappointed with Pnin, but mostly because it’s so highly regarded amongst Nabokov’s works. There’s still a number of passages to cherish, and as it’s a short novel it’s not too taxing.
3.4/5
The second half, with its heavy emphasis on academic teaching and introduction of many random characters was far less absorbing.
I would hate to call it boring, but the conclusion didn’t really grab my attention or move me as much as I had hoped. I felt the exact same with another novel of his, Transparent Things.
I guess I’m a little disappointed with Pnin, but mostly because it’s so highly regarded amongst Nabokov’s works. There’s still a number of passages to cherish, and as it’s a short novel it’s not too taxing.
3.4/5