Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

445 reviews

galactic_gigi's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

4.5

This book is absolutely horrifying! Don‘t get me wrong, the writing is beautiful and lyrical and so poetic. But what the narrator is describing are the absolute mad delusions of a monster targeting, manipulating and abusing a child. The unreliability and him trying to defend himself in front of the readers is bringing the reader closer to the narrator then one might want or feel comfortable with. It‘s a very good book and I recommend reading it, but there are a lot of times where I needed to take a break before nearly hurling the book against a wall. Please consult trigger warnings before reading!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse

oliviatheron'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

4.0

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Content Warnings

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

thewoodlandbookshelf's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder

annabellw06_'s review against another edition

I don’t really want to hear a pedophiles  internal monologue for another 150 pages. Good writing though

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Pedophilia

whtbout2ndbrkfst's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Murder

caseymenges's review against another edition

I found it boring. The way the story is written is confusing and very dull. 

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Content Warnings

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

mariacastrofonseca's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment

shiveryteacup's review against another edition

challenging dark 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Gun violence, Pedophilia, and Death of parent

allysontrinh's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.75

The infamous Lolita is a classic that I was excited to dive into, having heard so many things about it. The story seemed interesting, dark, and like it would leave me feeling emotionally confused and numb—everything that I yearn for in a book. While the book definitely delivered on all fronts in that regard, I can't help but feel disappointed. Unlike other dark and heavy stories, I did not feel satisfied after finishing this book as a result of the older style of writing. Maybe this is more telling of my literary comprehension/understanding than of the literary quality of this novel, but what review is 100% objective? So while I can't faithfully comment on the writing itself, I can still speak upon the story.

This story is disgusting, horrifying, spine-chilling, thought-provoking, mind-bending, honest, and confusing all at the same time. Nabokov is able to transform his readers into Humbert Humbert, meaning I was repulsed and confused with myself when I snapped out of the immersion. Would I suggest others to read? I'm not sure, it depends on the type of reader and person you are. If you're looking for an easy read, steer clear! But if you don't mind an older style of writing, random French, German, and Latin scattered throughout, and dark/twisted stories are your thing, then this classic is worth the read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment

breanneporter's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-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

4.0

A tough and exasperating read but the writing is phenomenal for sure. I’m glad I read it (and probably never will again). 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, and Kidnapping