Despair
Despair by Vladimir Nabokov is a reissue published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on May 14, 1989. This 240-page novel presents the wickedly inventive and richly derisive story of Hermann, a man who embarks on the audacious plan of committing his own murder. The narrative explores themes of psychological complexity and noir elements, showcasing Nabokov’s distinctive prose style.
Readers will find a masterly portrait of Hermann, a character who embodies the neurotic traits often found in Nabokov’s works. As he navigates his own reality, Hermann’s journey reflects a deep sense of solitude and existential inquiry. The novel is infused with Nabokov’s signature virtuosity and cunning wit, making it a notable addition to the literary thriller genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
The wickedly inventive and richly derisive story of Hermann, a man who undertakes the perfect crime–his own murder. • “A beautiful mystery plot, not to be revealed.” – Newsweek
“Nabokov writes prose the only way it should be written, that is, ecstatically.” – John Updike
“One of Mr. Nabokov’s finest, most challenging and provocative novels.” – The New York Times
Despair’s protagonist, Hermann, is another masterly portrait in the fascinating gallery of living characters Vladmir Nabokov has given to world literature. In his pseudo wordliness, his odd genius, Hermann is one with such other heteroclitic neurotic Nabokovian creations as Humbert Humbert and Charles Kimbote. Rapt in his own reality, incapable of escaping or explicating it, he is as solitary in his abyss as Luzhin or Charlotte Haze of Lolita.
Despair is illuminated throughout by the virtuosity and cunning wit that are Vladimir Nabokov’s hallmarks.
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