Purging Lo

Summary

The author discusses reevaluating their fondness for Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita" and deciding to declutter their book collection by discarding it.

Abstract

The article reflects on the author's personal journey with Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," a book they once admired for its prose despite its controversial subject matter. After years of carrying around an extensive book collection, the author has begun to purge books that no longer serve a purpose in their life. This includes "Lolita," which the author now views with a more critical eye, questioning the value of revisiting its disturbing plot. The decision to part with "Lolita" is also seen as an opportunity to explore other works by Nabokov, suggesting a shift in the author's literary preferences and acknowledging that personal tastes and perspectives can evolve over time.

Opinions

The author initially held "Lolita" in high regard, considering it a beautifully written book despite its unsettling content.
A process of decluttering led the author to reassess the importance of books in their collection, including those once cherished.
The author acknowledges a personal shift in the willingness to engage with "Lolita" due to its plot, implying that the literary merit may no longer outweigh the discomfort caused by its themes.
The author implies that it is acceptable to move on from books that one no longer connects with or finds relevant, regardless of their literary significance.
There is an expressed interest in exploring other works by Nabokov, indicating that the author values the author's style and contributions to literature beyond "Lolita."

Saying goodbye to an old favorite

First edition of Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, 1955 | Public Domain

“It’s a beautifully written book about a disgusting subject,” I told my graduate school classmates — who all hated Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita — during a presentation.

I loved it so much I read it repeatedly.

But now?

Not so much.

I began to declutter and finally started throwing away dozens of books I’ve carried around like little erudite albatrosses since college. Did I really still need a PSYCH 101 textbook? Or novels I knew I’d never read again because I hated them the first time? I eventually had to ask: At this point in my life, do I really want to read about, and therefore think about, Lolita’s disturbing plot again? Is the evocative language enough?

The answer led me to the trash bin.

That’s okay, there’s plenty more Nabokov to read.

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