Lolita

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Summary: Brilliant prose and psychological insight
Review: I am one of the minority who does not view Lolita as a love story. To me, Nabakov's masterpiece is both an experiment in prose(and an exhilirating one at that) as well as an intricate examination of the human mind. Writing as Humbert, Nabakov offers insight(how accurate we do not know) into the mind of one of the most complex, disturbing and perhaps misunderstood social deviants: the pedophile. I do not, as some do, have any sympathy for the character of Humbert, but I find it impossible not to be overwhelmed at his creation as it unfolds with each passing page. Nabakov's Humbert is both arrogant and weak, brilliant and pathetic. Whether or not his feelings for Lolita can be construed as "love" is a matter that will not soon be resolved. For me, Humbert believes that he loves Lolita, but can such a belief be valid in the mind of a self-described "madman?"

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Summary: excellent literature, but a revolting topic
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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read.
Review: For the ones who have seen the movie, spend some time reading the book. The impressions are totally different and you start seeing professor Humbert and Lolita in a different way.

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Summary: An Absolute Masterpiece!
Review: I can understand why Nabokov's Lolita made the top ten out of the 100 best Novels of the 20th Century. Although some would classify Lolita as a pedophile's handbook, those who truly gave this novel a chance would describe it as an intense, torrid love affair. Nabokov writes beautifully, with poetic prose, honesty, and with a dash of humorous cynicism. What's ironic is, English is Nabokov's second language! Yet, he writes better than most American born citizens. This is the first Nobokov novel I have devoured, and I can't wait to read his other great works. Buy this book!

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Summary: Irons' voice and Nabokov's lyrical prose blend marvelously
Review: Jeremy Irons, long admired as an actor's actor, has now taken on the originally written Humbert (that sardonic wry nymphette-obsessive) via a talking book Out of his mouth to our ears comes some of American Literature's finest prose. Iron's has managed to capture the dark intimacy of Humbert's writing with breathless abandon. His reading is supurb, using every nuance and subtlety Nabokov intended. His voice is a musical instrument played by a virtuoso. Bravo.

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Summary: Misogyny lives in Nabokov's Lolita
Review: Interestingly, the reviewers who boast that Lolita is "The best novel I have ever read," are all male. Lolita is not about love--pedophilia never is and Lolita is 12 years old. As a professor of English and as a feminist (and the mother of a young girl), I have never been able to ignore the troubling content nor the blatent misogyny in this text to appreciate Nabokov's clever narrative structure. If men think this is a love story, then, goddess help us all.

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Summary: Language, Repetition Abound. No true love in Lolita
Review: I read a few other reviews on Lolita here. Anyone who honestly believes Lolita is about true love has certainly missed the boat. Lolita is a novel that demonstrates Nabokov's love of language. He is constantly playing with words throught out Lolita (Vivian Darkbloom = Vladimir Nabokov rearranged). True love never exists in Lolita. Humbert does not care about Lolita. He never cares what she wants to do or what her opinions are about anything. No love here. Lolita is also about Humbert Humbert's obsession with repeating his childhood. Notice the repetition of everything in this book, including Humbert's name. There is no love in Lolita. Those who think that Humbert felt true love should read the novel again. Overall, Lolita is a masterfully written novel.

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Summary: By far Nabokov's best
Review: I first began reading "Lolita" this summer due to all the buzz. I had purchased the book about 3 years before the movie premiered--it just sat on my bookshelf because I figured I would get to it at some point. Well, "Lolita" provided me with one of the most fantastic and rewarding reading experiences I have ever had. The story is NOT about some sick and deranged pedophile--it is about love and the strangeness and the uncontrollability of it. Nabokov's prose is exquisite--so refined and beautiful it sucks you in like a heavy sleep. Read between the lines and don't take the story at face value and you will find a hysterically funny and perfect love story. A must on any bookshelf.

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Summary: Lolita - a book on trial!
Review: There is no possible way for me to explain how much I admire and adore this book. It has infused within society a certain fear of admitting this love. I personally believe it to be a book that is terribly misjudged and criticised. I find it is usually those who have never read Lolita that make these accusations of repulsion and utter disgust. They refuse to fully anaylise the beauty and perplexity of this novel. I have no fear in saying that it is the best book that I have ever read and recommend it to everyone!

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Summary: Nabokov is an excellent author!
Review: I read this book as an assignment for a Comparative Literature course, and it was absolutely wonderful. I was enthralled by the authors writing style! Nabakov writes so well, that you do not want to ever stop reading it! This book tells a love story, but it is not the traditional tale that you would expect to find in a love story. It is very interesting to see such a twist on the love story. This is one book that you definitely must read.