Speak, Memory
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1951
255
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Russia • Early 20th century
1951
Adult
16+ years
In Speak, Memory, Vladimir Nabokov recounts the first forty years of his life, moving from Russia to the south of France to Yalta to England, and finally to America, touching on his synesthesia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and his passion for butterfly collecting and writing. The memoir vividly portrays his childhood, family dynamics, and challenges with displacement due to war and exile.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Serene
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Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov receives praise for its lyrical prose and intricate narrative, showcasing the author's skillful command of language and vivid descriptions of his early life. Some critics, however, find the fragmented structure challenging. Overall, it stands out as a masterful memoir blending rich autobiography with literary elegance.
A reader who would enjoy Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov tends to appreciate richly descriptive, reflective autobiographies. Fans of Proust's In Search of Lost Time and G. G. Márquez’s Living to Tell the Tale will relish Nabokov’s poignant, elegant exploration of memory and identity. They likely have an interest in literary history and émigré experiences.
17,489 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
255
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Russia • Early 20th century
1951
Adult
16+ years
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