Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977) was a Russian-American novelist and entomologist. His first nine novels were in Russian, but he achieved international prominence after he began writing English prose. Lolita is probably his most renowned work and is included on several must read lists including 1001 books you must read before you die and Modern Library's 100 Best Novels.
Of course Lolita is known for its controversial subject matter about a middle-aged man who is obsessed with a 12-year old girl, Dolores Haze or Lolita. The protagonist, Humbert Humbert ends up marrying Lolita's mother to stay close to the girl. When the mother is killed in an accident, Humbert proceeds with his fantasy to seduce Lolita. The subject of pedophilia is one subject that is still taboo in today's world and there are definitely some awkward moments in the book. But for the most part, the book is not lascivious and it is basically a love story of Humbert's obsession. The book is also full of very eloquent prose by Nabokov who also plays a lot of word games and manipulations throughout the narrative. I'm amazed that a non-native English speaker was able to master the English language so well to write this and his other novels in English. But overall, only a mild recommendation for this one. The subject matter aside, I found many of the passages and descriptions too drawn out as Humbert and Lolita travel across America. Not sure if I was on board with the conclusion of the novel either.
I remember seeing the movie version of this several years ago and thought it was worth watching although I'm sure it was toned down from the book.
Of course Lolita is known for its controversial subject matter about a middle-aged man who is obsessed with a 12-year old girl, Dolores Haze or Lolita. The protagonist, Humbert Humbert ends up marrying Lolita's mother to stay close to the girl. When the mother is killed in an accident, Humbert proceeds with his fantasy to seduce Lolita. The subject of pedophilia is one subject that is still taboo in today's world and there are definitely some awkward moments in the book. But for the most part, the book is not lascivious and it is basically a love story of Humbert's obsession. The book is also full of very eloquent prose by Nabokov who also plays a lot of word games and manipulations throughout the narrative. I'm amazed that a non-native English speaker was able to master the English language so well to write this and his other novels in English. But overall, only a mild recommendation for this one. The subject matter aside, I found many of the passages and descriptions too drawn out as Humbert and Lolita travel across America. Not sure if I was on board with the conclusion of the novel either.
I remember seeing the movie version of this several years ago and thought it was worth watching although I'm sure it was toned down from the book.
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