Reviews

Despair by Vladimir Nabokov

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thoughtdaughter's review

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lauraborkpower's review against another edition

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3.0

Apparently Nabokov spent decades revising and perfecting this book, and it is certainly a consistent and tight piece of literature. It is, however, odd. Odd in a good way, but odd nonetheless.

Hermann Karlovich is our first person narrator, and his voice is so distinct that it should be used as a model of narrative voice for young writers. Distinct, yes, but certainly not likeable. And that was the hard part for me: to get used to listening to a character spout on and on about what a genius he is while planning his "own" murder. But really, this is about Hermann and his ego, his hubris. We just don't realize how tragic that hubris is until the end.

I don't think this will be beloved by the majority of modern readers. It's a bit alienating and hard to like. But it's a wonderful exercise in voice and character, and it's certainly worth reading to the end. And then laughing a hearty, mean-spirited but totally deserving laugh at Hermann.

afterthegoldrushes's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

chez_abaa's review

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4.0

“Hermann and Humbert are alike only in the sense that two dragons painted by the same artist at different periods of his life resemble each other. Both are neurotic scoundrels, yet there is a green lane in Paradise where Humbert is permitted to wander at dusk once a year; but Hell shall never parole Hermann.”

wetsmoke's review

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5.0

4.5 stars.

I loved this book.

The writing is just unbelievable. The man is a master of it. The story is compelling, to be sure, but the best part of the book is just delighting in Nabokov’s mastery.

I loved how succinct the book was, and, without giving away any spoilers, I loved how it ended.

I also really appreciated the meta-commentary on the writing. Because the character is writing the book that we are reading, he comments on the text throughout, and it’s so much fun.

Absolutely read this.