I finished reading this about a week ago. It is different than any book I have ever read. It was this weird mixture of being uncomfortable with the subject matter while simultaneously drawn in with the excellent writing. Also, I have mentioned previously how I enjoy novels that allow you access into the mind of a madman. And old Humbert Humbert is maybe the maddest of madmen I have ever read, probably even topping one of my favorites, Iago, from Othello. And the book is written from HH's vantage point, and he does not hold back on his deepest, darkest feelings, providing complete access to his twisted mind. And it's pretty messed up. There were parts, several parts, that are so realistic and convincing that I caught myself wondering from time to time if Nabokov was writing about himself. His writing really was impressive, especially since English is not his first language. Just really well done. There is even somehow some humorous moments in this book and Nabokov amazingly manages to trick you into sort of liking the main character until you again quickly realize that he is an absolute monster. Only masterful writing could accomplish this.
The book did start to get a little old after a while though. I wouldn't recommend this book or advise anyone to read this book because it's just too disturbing and kind of depressing and inappropriate. I didn't fully understand what I was getting myself into when I began this book.
Pro: Amazing writing; makes me want to read more of Nabokov.
Con: Crazy disturbing and I hope I can forget this story and never think about it ever again.
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