Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

47 reviews

sofiesreadingworld's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

 Just, no thanks. I've been struggling to get through this one.
I couldn't understand about half of the entire book. Not knowing where a certain event started or who the protagonist was talking about...
I finished it for this month's read at book club Plotgenoten, but otherwise, I might have DNF-ed it.
Maybe I should have read it in Dutch. But I don't plan on reading it a second time ever. It's just hella complicated and not very likeable.
Glad I returned it to the library this morning!
Way to go with a lighter read! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Racism, Car accident, Death of parent, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

valerietheresa's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pedophilia and Racism

karenaerts's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Kidnapping, and Death of parent

Moderate: Body shaming, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Blood, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Alcohol

moonandmadness's review against another edition

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? It's complicated

3.5

Thank God that's over. Even on reread, I acknowledge Nabokov's command of English is impressive and depressing since I could never, as is his ability to create, write, and endure disgusting characters. The novel deals with taboo in a controversial and interesting way, but becomes dull in the latter parts, devolving into madness reminiscent of Pale Fire. I feel the zeitgeist made a choice with glorifying the book, and a decision to misunderstand Dolores//Lolita. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Rape

Minor: Racism

vulpexula's review against another edition

challenging dark sad 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

4.0

A very challenging, yet important read. I wouldn’t recommend to younger readers or people who are triggered by abuse, as there is absolutely no subtlety in how the subjects are handled.

Nabokov use of rhyme and word play is what hooked me in from the beginning. I think the biggest tragedy of Lolita is our culture’s reaction to it. Instead of a vulnerable victim, the name ‘Lolita’ often brings the idea of a seductive, provocative girl to people’s heads, which is, I believe, exactly what evil people like Humbert want. If society can continue to sexualise young girls, abuse can continue to slip under the radar.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Trafficking, and Abandonment

Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism

Minor: Homophobia

theplaguedoctorreads's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment

bookworms_closet's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Incest, Racism, and Rape