Lolita

 

Vladimir Nabokov

 

A very unusual and controversial book written in the 1950’s.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, picking it up only because it’s continuously rated in the top 100 novels in the world.

 

So after purchasing it and reading several reviews, I was sceptical.

The high level plot basically involves a forty plus male taking advantage of a rebellious streak in a 13 year old girl enticing her to become his ‘mistress’.

Humbert, the author, stepfather (of just a few weeks) and perpetrator of Lolita, tells us his vantage point of their love affair, becoming increasing obsessive as the time goes by.

You would think this novel was dark and twisted (and of course the events are) but his explanations allow us to see a lighter and somewhat satirical storyline of beauty and passion.

It’s not an easy read and it took me a while to get into it’s flow. However I would recommend it if you’re looking for a challenge and something totally different.

He does skip the morbid details of their love affair so there’s no sexual particulars, just connotations which is bearable while thinking about how young Lolita is.