When thinking of Nabokov, the iconic yet controversial Lolita undoubtedly comes to mind. However, the Russian émigré’s large canon of novels, spanning the mid 20th century, contains hidden gems that should not be overlooked.
For some, starting with Lolita would be the obvious choice. On the surface, Lolita is simply a story of a paedophile attempting to defend his actions to a jury; look a little closer, and the novel’s concern with rising American capitalism and advertising become clearer. Nabokov’s most popular novel stuns with elegantly crafted and sometimes humorous prose that is often misunderstood.
However, for those who consider diving headfirst into the divisive Lolita a daunting endeavour, here’s a list of some of his lesser-known works to start you off in a less intense way.
Laughter in the Dark (1932)
Laughter in the Dark is one of Nabokov’s earlier novels whose storyline and plot later become the basis for Lolita. First published as a translated work of fiction under the title Camera Obskura, Nabokov became so dissatisfied with the initial English translation that he set about writing and publishing his own. The story begins with a middle-aged man, Albinus, lusting over the 17-year-old aspiring actress, Margot, but quickly transforms into a gripping narrative of deception, betrayal and retribution with the introduction of the meddling Rex. A thrilling page-turner, this novel is a great introduction to Nabokov’s writing style that only leaves you wanting more.
Pnin (1957)
Contrary to popular opinion, Lolita is not the novel that Nabokov initially enchanted US readers with, but rather it was Pnin that put his name on the map. Published in instalments in the New Yorker, Pnin is Nabokov’s campus novel chronicling the life of a Russian émigré professor who cannot seem to catch a break. This novel, much like Laughter in the Dark, showcases Nabokov’s talent to craft flawed human characters and narratives that really push the readers’ emotional responses. Pnin offers a unique reading experience that draws you into this pathetic depiction of a professor who cannot quite find his place.
The Defence (1930)
For fans of The Queen’s Gambit, Nabokov’s The Defence follows the life of Luhzin, a chess prodigy, from a young age and offers a representation of the psychological outlook of an artist obsessed with perfection. Well-crafted, and at times witty, prose narrates the transformation of the world as chess and reality become increasingly indistinguishable to Luhzin throughout the novel. For those who love Whiplash or La La Land, The Defence offers a darker tale of personal sacrifice for the sake of art.
“Vladimir Nabokov” by smalloranges is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.