Despair
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
212
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s
1989
Adult
18+ years
In Despair by Vladimir Nabokov, a person named Hermann Karlovich encounters an individual who closely resembles him. This uncanny resemblance prompts Karlovich to devise and execute an elaborate plan, leading him through a course of unexpected actions, casting light on themes of identity and deception in early 20th-century Europe.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
11,236 ratings
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Despair by Vladimir Nabokov is lauded for its linguistic dexterity and dark humor, offering a compelling narrative that challenges moral certainty. However, some readers find its intricate prose and unreliable narrator disorienting. Nabokov's exploration of identity and insanity captivates, although its complexity may deter less tenacious readers.
A reader who revels in dark humor, psychological complexity, and unreliable narration will appreciate Nabokov's Despair. Similar to Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and Camus's The Stranger, this novel appeals to those intrigued by existential themes and intricately flawed characters.
11,236 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
212
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s
1989
Adult
18+ years
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