Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

200 reviews

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

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

cinnamonmist's review against another edition

challenging dark 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

4.75

Not at all for the weak of stomach, but fantastic book if you are prepared for it

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Racial slurs, Medical content, and Alcohol

roisin_marie's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense fast-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

5.0

It's a tough read, but it's easier in the second half, and you start to enjoy the experience without constant nausea. Worth the pain

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Content Warnings

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

Moderate: Alcoholism, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Death of parent

nvlasenkor's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-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

3.25

It was very well-written but the most uncomfortable book I have ever read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, Pedophilia, and Kidnapping

Minor: Adult/minor relationship

Main character kidnaps and continually rapes a 12 year old, then spends the whole book justifying his actions. He goes as far as to blame the girl for tempting him, refer to her not as a human but as a demon child. Really well written but this is not for the faint of heart. I felt very downcast reading this and almost DNF’d.

tnhelsel's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

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

3.5

I struggled how to rate this book for awhile. Obviously, the main character is a horrible person. It was interesting to read the perspective of someone that horrible--kind of like a psychological case study--and consider his warped reasoning and ridiculous justifications. Additionally, this book is a great example of an unreliable narrator...

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Content Warnings

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

Moderate: Incest and Kidnapping

ambercrawfrd's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pedophilia and Kidnapping

elizbitt's review against another edition

dark 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting

annie_brewer's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Trafficking, and Kidnapping

Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, and Pregnancy