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A review by go2hellstephanie
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Pedophilia, and Violence