Lolita by Nabokov

When Lolita was published in the United States in 1958, this is what some of the reviews said:

• "Most readers will probably become bored [...] at times downright sickened" (The Providence Journal).
• "[T]his book is "distilled sewage" (The New York World Telegraph).
• Lolita is "pornography" (The Chicago Tribune).

The book is still controversial today, especially in the US.

However, over 50 million copies have been sold since, so people are at least... interested.

Review 1 - a bit difficult

Watch the summary of the book made below by oreadsbooks on YouTube. The questions will help you focus on the story of the book. Watch up til about 4:30.

1. Describe the narrator of the book.
2. How does Humbert Humbert meet Lolita?
3. What's an "indie-cred" novel? (You may have to look this up!)
4. Which part of the book is especially famous?
5. What is Humbert Humbert's job?
6. How does Humbert "seduce the reader" to understanding his side of the story?

Review 2 - a bit easier

This is Dean Goranites review, which is more laid back and a bit easier:)

1. Why does Dean define the novel as "creepy"
2. How does he describe the main character?
3. The main character is NOT the villain of the book, what does Dean think this maight say about Nabokov?
4. Why is Humbert Humbert into 12-year-olds?
5. What did Nabokov himself say about the book and his concerns about it?
6. How does Dean feel about the change in the book?
7. What's his advice to readers?