A review by gabe_reads
Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov

funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I was quite sad that the first chapter was my favourite. The rest of the book was good, but didn't capture that whimsy that I loved in the first. I liked Pnin, such a funny little guy. With his weird quirks and strange group of people (I'm not sure I can really call them friends?) who he hangs out with.

Something I loved throughout was Nabokov's writing. Incredibly fun and creative throughout, it really boosted my enjoyment of the book. Occasionally it got slightly too complex and elaborate for me, I will admit. I also liked how he played with the unreliable narrator.

There were also some interesting parallels with Straight Man, in terms of the mundane academic life and relationships with acquaintances who may or may not even like each other. I wonder if it was written with Pnin in mind at all.