Nabokov’s Gift

I know the title is a cliché, but having read "The Gift" by Vladimir Nabokov, I can confidently say that I attest to Nabokov having a truly underrated gift. I won't delve much into the book's content or my thoughts in this review. Instead, I'd like to express my deep admiration for Nabokov and how "The Gift" has become one of my new favourite novels by him.

As an avid reader and fan of Nabokov's intricate storytelling and brilliant prose, I approached "The Gift" with high expectations. And true to form, Nabokov did not disappoint. In this novel, he showcases his unparalleled ability to craft compelling narratives, create complex characters, and intertwine them with layers of symbolism and intellectual depth.

"The Gift" follows the story of Fyodor Godunov-Cherdyntsev, an aspiring writer in emigration in Berlin. Through Fyodor's experiences and interactions with various characters, Nabokov explores themes of art, exile, nostalgia, and the intricacies of human relationships. The novel is rich with literary allusions, wordplay, and Nabokov's signature attention to detail, making it a delightful and intellectually stimulating read.

What struck me most about "The Gift" is Nabokov's mastery of capturing the essence of human emotions. He portrays the longing, the yearning for artistic expression, and his characters' inner turmoil with such precision and sensitivity that it's impossible not to be moved. Nabokov's ability to evoke such profound empathy in his readers is a testament to his exceptional writing gift.

Moreover, "The Gift" serves as a love letter to the power of literature itself. Nabokov's passion for the written word is evident throughout the novel, as he weaves together narratives within narratives, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. His deep understanding and appreciation for storytelling shine through every page, captivating the reader and leaving them in awe.

As with many of Nabokov's works, "The Gift" requires careful attention and a willingness to immerse oneself in its intricacies. It rewards the patient reader with moments of sheer brilliance and intellectual satisfaction. Nabokov's prose is as elegant and enchanting as ever, carrying the reader through discovery and introspection.

In conclusion, "The Gift" is a testament to Vladimir Nabokov's exceptional writing talent. While the title may seem cliché, the novel is far from it. It is a testament to Nabokov's unique and underrated gift for storytelling. If you enjoy his works or appreciate literary brilliance, "The Gift" should find a place on your bookshelf. It has undoubtedly found a cherished place in my heart as one of my new favourite novels by this literary genius.

Lo Li Ta - Vladimir Nabokov

Lolita, a modern classic surrounded by haters, lovers and confused people. When I first read Lolita, I was the latter. I felt confused on why this book would have such praise being the topic it is. Then I became a hater. I felt like the prose wasn’t for me, descriptive, long and complicated and the narrator, the famous Humbert Humbert, was horrible. Then I started to wonder: what is it about Lolita? Why is it making me uncomfortable? Is it immoral? Why is it a classic? I had a lot of questions. So I became interested in Lolita, I researched and researched. Trying to find out why this book, that wasn’t bad, but I almost hated to that point – this book that is praised by so many – why it made me feel this way and why other people felt the same way. After some thought, I became a lover of Lolita.

What is wonderful about Nabokov’s masterpiece is the fact that people are so uncomfortable and confused. That was his intentions. He intended for people’s spines to tremble, for you to be uncomfortable in your seat. But his writing won’t let you stop reading. You want to stop reading about Lolita’s horrible story, but you know you can’t because Nabokov’s writing is addictive, strange, complete and ultimately beautiful.

Humber Humbert as a narrator is funny, he tells things from a very personal point of view, it makes you laugh and sometimes smile. But, then, you realize how you’re slowly being manipulated into sympathizing with him. You are starting to understand this predator’s point of view. You are starting to see Lolita as a not-so-good-child instead of a victim. The way he says what she does, the way he shows her actions, are from the point of view of his crazy mind. He is an excellent manipulator, a perfect unreliable narrator. Unless you try really hard to hate him you won’t unless you remember, constantly, that he is not the victim he is trying to be.

Equally, there is a great side-plot going on at the same time. I kept wondering about the reason for this story-telling, why is he in prison, why is he talking about Lolita? Well, the mystery just adds a layer to the whole story. It was fun to keep guessing. It added to the manipulation as you could even go off to forget what we were reading this story for.

In conclusion, Lolita is great, I learned from it, I explored themes that are important to read and, I was manipulated to the core. It’s interesting to see why this book gets so much glorification, hate, and praise all in one. For one, the movies are filmed in such a way that people love the style. And in the other hand, the writing is so intricate, beautiful and delicate that you can really see why people would think that the point of the book is not to make you uncomfortable but, make you feel bad for Humbert. But is it Nabokov’s fault? I think not. When you read a book you have to think critically. Nabokov was creating fiction, he was trying to fool the reader, but you have to be stronger, you have to see that his intentions are no other but to realize that Humbert Humbert is in the wrong and that you are being fooled. What would happen if this was someone in real life? Lolita is still the victim, remember.