Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Lolita

Lolita
Lolita
Author: Vladimir Nabokov
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
SG avatar reviewed on + 25 more book reviews


I think the posted description of this book as a "love story" is somewhat misleading (although it is certainly open to interpretation). This is the story of a sick and depraved man who is completely obsessed with a 12-year old girl. Only a master of the English language like Nabokov (and it's not even his first language!) could write so superbly as to entice readers to stay on this emotional rollercoaster of a book. Lolita was both more graphic, disturbing, charming and funny than I expected it to be - and that combination is certain to make you uncomfortable at some points in the novel. My book club was deeply divided over this book, some people loved it and others hated it, even refusing to finish reading it. For my part, I think it's one of the best-written novels I have ever read, and I'm really grateful that I got the chance to experience it, after it sat on my shelf for many years. It's a quick and engrossing read, I finished it in a day, but it leaves you with many questions afterward. Highly recommended for book clubs!