A review by lovelymisanthrope
Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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
5.0
I read "My Dark Vanessa" a few years ago and I really loved it, so I was curious to pick up this classic version of the story. "Lolita" follows a man named Humbert, who from a young age realized he was attracted to young girls. Humbert finds himself, a full-grown man, attracted to his stepdaughter, Dolores Haze, who he believes is the perfect nymphet. "Lolita" is told in Humbert's perspective as he writes a letter to explain himself and try to justify his actions.
I was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did. When a book tries to tackle such sensitive content matter, it is often hard to do so well. It is also difficult as a reader to separate the book from the main character. Humbert is highly unlikable, and as a reader, you are outraged that he is preying on young girls and trying to seduce them. Humbert is also willing to do almost anything to have his perfect nymphet, even murder. At every turn Humbert makes poor choices and your heart goes out to Dolores. She is so young and at such an impressionable age, you feel like Humbert is robbing her of her innocence. With all of that said, I could not put this book down. I was fascinated to be in the mind of such a depraved man. He knows he should not want this, but he cannot stop in his pursuit.
I do not necessarily recommend this book because of its content matter, but I am so happy I read this.
I was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did. When a book tries to tackle such sensitive content matter, it is often hard to do so well. It is also difficult as a reader to separate the book from the main character. Humbert is highly unlikable, and as a reader, you are outraged that he is preying on young girls and trying to seduce them. Humbert is also willing to do almost anything to have his perfect nymphet, even murder. At every turn Humbert makes poor choices and your heart goes out to Dolores. She is so young and at such an impressionable age, you feel like Humbert is robbing her of her innocence. With all of that said, I could not put this book down. I was fascinated to be in the mind of such a depraved man. He knows he should not want this, but he cannot stop in his pursuit.
I do not necessarily recommend this book because of its content matter, but I am so happy I read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual content