60 pages • 2 hours read
Lolita
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Book Brief
317
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s-1950s
1955
Penguin Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, follows Humbert Humbert, an unreliable narrator, who recalls his obsession with Dolores Haze, a preteen girl he nicknames Lolita. To remain close to her, he marries her mother, Charlotte. After Charlotte's death, Humbert embarks on a cross-country journey with Lolita, posing as her father, while manipulating and exploiting her. Humbert's journey ends tragically as the consequences of his actions catch up with him.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
887,912 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita captivates with its lyrical prose and darkly complex themes, earning accolades for its narrative prowess. Critics highlight its masterful language and psychological depth, though it also faces scrutiny for controversial content and moral ambiguity. This duality underscores its lasting impact and provokes thoughtful discourse.
Who Should Read Lolita?
Readers who would enjoy Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita tend to appreciate complex, controversial themes, and lyrical prose. They might also enjoy works like American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis and Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, which offer deep psychological insights and critique societal norms. Fans of dense, thought-provoking literature will find Nabokov's work compelling.
887,912 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dolores “Lolita” Haze
Dolores “Lolita” Haze
A young girl whom Humbert becomes obsessed with; she is portrayed as lively and precocious with interests typical of a teenager, such as movies and comics.
Charlotte Haze
Charlotte Haze
Lolita's mother and Humbert's landlady who becomes romantically involved with him; she has a penchant for melodrama and a refined but often criticized sense of taste.
Clare Quilty
Clare Quilty
A playwright who becomes a significant figure in Lolita's life and shares certain character traits with Humbert, such as a penchant for wordplay and a troubled personality.
317
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s-1950s
1955
Penguin Books
Adult
18+ years
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