What’s Your Favorite Novel?
So what is your favorite novel?
I don’t like to pick just one, but if I’m forced to do so, the answer is: “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov.
My copy of Lolita.My marked copy of Lolita.
Why? Because the language is gorgeous. Think about it. Russian author. Written originally in English. French-speaking narrator.
Wow.
I hate Humbert. Yes, I hate the protagonist but love the book. He intrigues me yet disgusts me. His obsession with nymphets is twisted. I have a hard time relating to his specific obsession. But we’re all obsessed by something. So I can relate there.
Characters’ obsessions (and people in real life) are fascinating. They can tell us about the secret parts of ourselves that we don’t know exist. Characters often have the same ones as us, or ones we can relate to, or wants we discover we had and never voiced to ourselves, or a desire we explore with the characters.
What are you obsessed with?
Suzanna and Writing 