are there huge words that i'll have to look up? is it so wordy that it's boring? or is it an interesting, exciting book? opinions please....thanks.
2007-09-23 10:38:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
i'm 20 years old.
2007-09-23 10:53:00 · update #1
Yes, the subject matter might be too controversial for some, but it is an incredibly well-written book. I was never bored by it. I don't remember thinking it difficult to understand when I read it a few years ago. I just remember being completely blown away by Nabokov's abilities as a writer. I had no idea he was that good.
That's the problem---the controversial subject matter takes all the attention away from the fact that he was a brilliant writer. I'd recommend it for that even if you might be turned off by the story itself.
2007-09-23 11:17:16 · answer #1 · answered by lduncan00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be a challenging read. But it is a beautifully written work. Not knowing how old you are, my only comment would be that reading Lolita requires a certain degree of maturity. You need to be able to differentiate between a story and reality. It may be a beautifully written story, but it is still a story about a serious criminal act that both physically and mentally destroys the life of a young girl. If you can read it with that in mind, go for it. Pax - C
2007-09-23 10:43:17 · answer #2 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Lolita" is a wonderful book, but you need to distinguish between the point of view of the narrator and the reality the author tries to present. As Persiphone says Humbert Humbert has severely injured Lolita's psyche, yet he never seems to notice. Like many pedophiles, in fact, he blames the victim. Nabokov knows better and tries to make sure his reader knows better also.
There are some difficult words. Nobokov prides himself on making esoteric puns. Clare Quilty leaves enigmatic messages for Humbert that are difficult for the reader to figure out. Humbert drinks a beverage called "pin" which he never defines although I believe it's a mixture of gin and pineapple juice. It helps also if you have some familiarity with Edgar Allan Poe's life and his poem Annabelle Lee. (Humbert had loved a young girl named Annabelle Leigh.)
I also agree with Persiphone that if you don't think you are mature enough to read it, you might want to wait a few years. I hope you enjoy it.
2007-09-23 13:54:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best book of the twentieth century.
I read it when I was about 19, and thought, huh? What's the fuss about. I didn't read it again until I was about 34 and had a 9 or 10 year old daughter, and THEN I saw what the fuss was about. (One of my bookclub-mates said the same although her daughter is a couple years younger.) I've read it a couple more times since then and there's always something more there.
I don't remember the vocabulary being an issue for me, but I don't know what you're used to. Nabokov's writing style is stunning, if you ask me.
I may have to read it again now!
2007-09-23 10:53:26 · answer #4 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is one of the best books written; it is both hilarious and sad, all at once. No, it isn't too hard. It is NOT about "pedophilia," as someone claimed, and to watch the movie, either of them, would be doing yourself a great disservice - you would get some of the "story" that way, but really miss the reason why it is considered a great book. While it does revolve around some mature issues, it is not explicit, and not graphic in an offensive manner.
2007-09-23 21:52:22 · answer #5 · answered by d_h_robbins 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's one that I say don't bother reading it .. just watch the movie. It's quicker not sicker...about pedophelia...Who needs it?
2007-09-23 10:48:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋