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crustywhitedog's review
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Gun violence, and Suicide
Minor: Misogyny and Racism
saudadevemcorrendo's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this has to be one of my favorite books, if not my favorite i have ever read. with a mix of metafiction and twists in ways that give this book sky-high readability, i can't wait to give this one at least two more rereads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Murder
lweezthereadrat's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is such an interesting read. Nabokov writes one of literature's most annoying narrators, an obsessive and self-absorbed man whose relationship with his poet neighbour feels unbidden and blown out of proportion. Writing both Kinbote and Shade's voices feels like Nabokov is seeking to prove that he can be a good writer, he just enjoys writing insufferable men. The format makes this a slow burn off a read but it's an innovative idea.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Racism, Child abuse, Incest, and Antisemitism
bugcollector's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
♬♩ The blinds wide open so he can see
u in the dark when you sleeping ♫♪
It's funny that nabokov despised Dostoyevsky when they are both overly chatty and indulge in racist and misogynistic comments.
It's likely that he tried to mock this style here, but when the mockery is as annoying as the original then maybe it's just as bad?
Otherwise, it's an entertaining novel. Kinbote's own index about himself was enlightening, he's a true humble king and a loving friend.
I only understood the suicide- Gradus killing Shade on purpose bit at the end after farther reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Racism, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Stalking, Suicide, Alcohol, Grief, Racial slurs, Gun violence, Homophobia, and Mental illness
woweewhoa's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Stalking, Gun violence, and Suicide
Minor: Cannibalism and Incest
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