Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov.

Ophelia · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject:

I'll add a few lines about Poe's Annabel Lee poem.

It prefaces the novel with what seems to be a reference to purity.
Also, it makes Humbert sound almost respectable for a while: after all, it's a beautiful poem, I learnt it in high school, there can't be anything wrong with it.
It introduces the theme of child and bride (not in the same line in the poem).
Humbert calls both Annabel and Lolita his "bride", and here he changes the meaning of the word to suit his fancy.

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject:

I am still waiting on my copy. Getting antsy for it.

Ophelia · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:45 pm Post subject:

I'll write a quotation from Nabokov's interview in the youtube video mentioned above.
Nabokov refers to a story he read in a newspaper:

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:55 pm Post subject:

First let me say, I finally got my copy and started reading it right away.

Second, on the quote. I would have to agree. As I said before it is like he is trying to justify his actions. But when in reality, we are beginning to see him (well, me anyway) as a sad, sad man.

Case in point, Humbert was talking about his nymphets. Then he explains their age range which is 9-14. He says the loves this age because they are developing that look, that certain power that if developed right can rule the world. But they can not mature over 14. Then he goes on to justify that so many writers and cultures in history have proven him right. The problem is that in history they did that (such as marrying them off at 12, selling to harems, or arranging marriages at birth) because the human life expectancy was thirty to forty years old.

Well, I am still very intrigued by this book because I am wondering just how far he is willing to go with this infatuation.

The one thing that keeps coming back to me is this question. Who has the control?

Ophelia · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 11:25 am Post subject:

The foreword to Lolita.

I think it is worth discussing.
This is from one of the sites i referred to above:

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject:

I think that the foreword was written in order to let the reader know that Nabokov is not a "dirty old man". In fact, he doesn't agree with his character, Humbert Humbert. Maybe this foreword could have been written as an afterthought upon the completion. Just to let his readers know that this character is not accepted in our civilized society.

As far as the quoted lines we will have to wait and see.

Chris OConnor · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 5:39 pm Post subject:

Ophelia and Raving Lunatic, what are your thoughts on having this book as an official discussion? Right now it is just the two of you and perhaps 1 extra person discussing this book. Would you like this book advertised up top as an official discussion? If so during what months?

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject:

I think that is a marvelous idea. I know that Ophelia and I are both reading it now. Doesn't matter to me when. Ophelia what are you thoughts?

Ophelia · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the suggestion Chris, this is just great.
This is a book that deserves a few more readers.

Now, as to when: after "The Things they carried" means January.... it would be a shame to stop the momentum that has been started, even if it's only two people. What about November 1st, to give potential readers the time to buy a copy?

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:50 am Post subject:

So what is the decision on this? Should I postpone reading any further or let it rip?

Grim · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

Sorry, I know I was supposed to be in on this but I am way to busy with school now. Hopefully I will have some time near to Christmas to post some thoughts.

Very Happy

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:48 am Post subject:

Maybe we should have Lolita be the book for March April?

Grim · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 1:35 pm Post subject:

Yeah hopefully, I never even got to vote for the next two fiction books so I am struggling to catch up with those to begin with.

Next fiction book should be voted on not just chosen like the last two have been, or maybe I missed the week where that happened.

Raving Lunatic · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 2:52 pm Post subject:

I am not sure what happened with that the last two months selections. I thought everyone was on board for Lolita and then boom! Not so much.

Grim · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject:

I concur, well I have the book i just can't get into it right now.

Personally I would like to wait until the next two books are done and then try to get this one made official. That way the most possible people are on page. If it does not make it then I say we start a new thread and continue on without front-page support.

Or you could post thoughts and wait until other people catch up by say the end of this month.

Part of the problem is that I really want to read Orlando now but I haven't even had the chance to start as it is not in my hands yet.

Thoughts?


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