I chanced up on 'Lolita' in the local library and was intrigued by the review blurb at the back of the book which read " Nabakov writes prose the only way it should be written: ecstatically!" and in that instant I knew I had to read it.
From pop cultural references I had already gathered that Lolita is a tale about an older man's obsession with a young girl. This is the premise of the book but there is so much more to it than the moral aspect of it. The prose for one is a literary treasure. I was completely engulfed by the powerful writing and fell in love with the characters. The viciousness, desperation, helplessness, innocence and love won me over and it was hard to put the book down.
There is not much happening by way of story yet I found myself turning the next page with curiosity and interest. The book does not wish to bring morality into question and is simply told from the perspective of one character. Humbert Humbert the narrator of the book feels so real, honest despite his crimes. There is no denying or making excuses-only narration. Lolita is also equally complex-an adolescent who is promiscuous, manipulative and victimized.
We know at the beginning of the book that a murder has been committed and also who committed it but the identity of the victim is revealed only in the end. Each episode and character is brought to life by the magical writing. So influenced was I by the book that I was ready to reread the book as soon as I finished it. I have never felt this way about any other book. Nabokov has instantly moved into my five favorite authors list. I intend to read as much of his works as possible.
From pop cultural references I had already gathered that Lolita is a tale about an older man's obsession with a young girl. This is the premise of the book but there is so much more to it than the moral aspect of it. The prose for one is a literary treasure. I was completely engulfed by the powerful writing and fell in love with the characters. The viciousness, desperation, helplessness, innocence and love won me over and it was hard to put the book down.
There is not much happening by way of story yet I found myself turning the next page with curiosity and interest. The book does not wish to bring morality into question and is simply told from the perspective of one character. Humbert Humbert the narrator of the book feels so real, honest despite his crimes. There is no denying or making excuses-only narration. Lolita is also equally complex-an adolescent who is promiscuous, manipulative and victimized.
We know at the beginning of the book that a murder has been committed and also who committed it but the identity of the victim is revealed only in the end. Each episode and character is brought to life by the magical writing. So influenced was I by the book that I was ready to reread the book as soon as I finished it. I have never felt this way about any other book. Nabokov has instantly moved into my five favorite authors list. I intend to read as much of his works as possible.
