has anyone read Lolita?

Question

what is your opinion on the book?

thanks

sorry, i meant whether you found it a good, interesting or essential read, and how you felt that the ideas in it came across. If you would re-read it!

Answer 1

Read it years ago, but remember it as a good read and challenging. Nabokov got a lot of flack for it at the time, and I wonder if he wrote it today if he would be able to get it published, and what would be the public reaction.
The way he made Humbert an understandable character given his desires, was masterly. He certainly got the mind set right: Humbert has no conception of the harm he is doing, nor does he care, and deludes himself as to her feelings.

Answer 2

I havn`t read the book but I`ve seen both film versions with James Mason and Jeremy Irons. I think the story is fascinating. I`m not sure who manipulated who but It was a sad ending with Lolita dying in childbirth, and Humbert murdering Quilty.

Answer 3

Nabakov saw no meaning in life, no depth, no true moral or fundamental beauty. His attention was only ever focused on the surface, which intoxicated him. His books, accordingly, are often thrillingly beautiful poetry, but, finally, are empty and shallow. In fact the plot for Lolita is exactly the same as that for practically all his books - intelligence, wit or poetic brilliance mask depravity and insanity.
The point, as far as it goes, is certainly well-made here; the poetry is awesome - for a moment the reader sympathises with the corrupt narrator and is fooled into thinking that this is noble love driving us to ignominy. But, as elsewhere in Nabakov's oevre, we are only superficially moved or inspired, as we are with caviar, cream and fine sweet pastries. Fine, but it neither sustains nor fulfils.

Answer 4

Yes i read it many years ago. Although I enjoyed it at the time, I attempted to reread it recently and found it very dated. I would not consider it an essential read.

Answer 5

Opinion in what sense? On the writing style, or the content? Do you mean what is your opinion on a novel about an older man's attraction towards a pre-pubescent girl? Do you mean do we think it should never have been published? I've read the book, I studied it at university. I've seen two film adaptations. What do you want to know?

Answer 6

I've read it, but didn't care for it. I couldn't come up with any sympathy toward the main character who basically ruins several peoples lives. It was distasteful and I don't understand why so many people praise it.

Answer 7

It's my favorite book ever! Although some people have told me they don't like the way Nabakov writes, I adore it. He's like the van gogh of literature. Anyway, It's a brilliant book.

Answer 8

My husband started to read it but his stopped because he found it very disturbing.

Answer 9

I read it ages ago. It is very disturbing. Not necessarily shocking so much as dark. I also remember it was a bit tedious to read but psychologically compelling.

Answer 10

Did more than read her ----
she used to stand behind Debenhams in Birmingham