‘Lolita’ – Vladimir Nabokov book review.

It took me 3 very long months, but I have finally finished reading one of my bucket list book’s – ‘Lolita’ by Vladimir Nabokov.

Like most people, growing up I had heard of this classic novel, but my interest in reading the book only developed after a few references were made to it in Pretty Little Liars. I then sat next to an English teacher on my flight back from Malia last year who highly reccommended the novel to me, informing me that Lolita was one of her all time favourites.

As a lover of literature, I was really excited when I finally purchased Lolita. It’s such a classic and I couldn’t wait to read it and see what all the fuss was about.

It usually only takes me a couple of weeks to finish a book, maybe just a few days if I really love the story. Judging by the three very long months it took me to finish Lolita you can probably guess that I wasn’t such a fan. For a book I was so looking forward to reading, I was sadly very dissapointed.

Lolita is the story of a middle aged man – Humbert Humbert, who finds himself very attracted to young girls, Lolita being the child of his affections who he decides to pursue. Whilst I know stories are written about all kinds of topics, this one made me feel very uncomfortable and I felt so awful for poor Lolita, her life completely damaged by the selfish and horrible man who made her his own. I don’t know how or why anyone would want to write about such a topic, and it made me feel a little disturbed.

Although I found the topic of the story very disturbing, I also found the book to be incredibly boring with a long list of characters who I couldn’t relate to in the slightest. The book managed to stir my emotions in the way that I felt deep sympathy towards Lolita, and major disgust and hatred towards Humbert Humbert. Ultimately though I felt no connection to the story at all.

I found this book so hard to read, with too many long, old fashioned words and complicated sentences, sometimes I couldn’t get my head around it. I felt like I was reading a book in which the author was trying to squeeze in as many big words and fancy sentences as possible in order to make the it seem more mature and intellectual. Having said that, that’s just my opinion and I can definitely appreciate the clear talent Vladimir Nabokov has for writing, and I know that many do enjoy his style and his way with words.

For the most part of the story, I just wanted to get it over with but there were the occasional moments where I did actually want to find out what happened next, times when I actually wanted to turn the pages and read on, rather than scan them quickly in an attempt to finish the book sooner.

I don’t think I could ever see myself reading this book again, nor would I reccommend it to anyone. I can understand why people do think this is a great piece of literature, because the subjects explored are very controversial and as it’s told from Humbert’s point of view I can see why some people may find it interesting, but for me it just made me feel sick and disturbed.

I’m sure if you’re a lover of classic novels and more controversial and complex reads you would enjoy this very much, it seems like a lot of people do really love this book. When I bought it, the guy in the bookstore told me he loved it and thought it was great. I’m sorry to say I can’t agree with him or the teacher on the aeroplane, for me Lolita is my least favourite book ever.

If you have read Lolita, I would love to know your thoughts on the book. Please let me know your opinions in the comments below.