Molly

by Nancy J. Jones

Inspired by the literary classic, Lolita, this extraordinary debut novel is a richly imagined coming-of-age story about two girls in Illinois in the 1940s and their intense, erotically charged friendship, which endures even after one moves away and becomes entangled in a disturbing life with her new stepfather. This novel was first published by Crown in 2000, and the author now retains the rights to this book Shy, intelligent, and fiercely loyal, Betsy Thurmont longs to shed her awkward reserve and be more like her best friend, Molly Liddell, a vivacious, dazzling girl who charms all who know her. They are a devoted pair, jitterbugging at the local soda shop, ice skating at the rink, taking a blood oath that they will never part--until Molly's mother is caught up in scandal and flees far away with her daughter. Years later, Betsy comes into possession of Molly's diaries and learns the startling story of what happened to her childhood friend. Through her diary entries, Molls tells the dramatic story of her mother's marriage to a European scholar named Richard Richard, with whom Molly begins an outrageous flirtation. But, after her mother's death, this man uses her preadolescent seductions to fulfill his own ruthless desires. Heartbreaking in their honesty, Molly's diaries eloquently express how a bright future can be dimmed by circumstance. Guided by Molly's strong and resilient voice, Betsy reaches her own epiphany about the meaning of her dear friend's short life, and about her own place in the world. Molly perfectly captures the wonderment, longing, fear, and frustration of making the potentially dangerous yet exhilarating metamorphosis from girl to woman. This radiant first novel is also a loving tribute to Vladimir Nabokov and his classic work, invoking the spirit of the legendary Lolita.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 200

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely and utterly fascinated with each and every modern retelling of Nabokov's Lolita, and while this could read as a cheap ripoff, I prefer to see it as an enjoyable little spinoff. This version focuses on Humbert, called Richard here, as a villain without any underlying romanticism. Tribute is even paid to Nabokov's butterfly interest, as Molly shares the same passion in her role here. This isn't a serious hard-core book by any means, but is still a great read for any fans of Lolita, as long as you don't expect too much.

[Lynette Lark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a "Lolita" rip-off but readable.

[bárbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

lolita retelling through the eyes of dolores's childhood homoerotic girl best friend? five stars.

[Chayreads the fairyyyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me , getting the perspective of « lolita «  was heartbreaking and to think that some little girls on the world , this book is their reality .. my heart breaks for them

[Cayla Bartosz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empathetic and inventive, this novel captures the tragedy of abuse while restoring hope and humanity to the fate of Lolita's eponymous heroine. A touching take on a classic story.

[Mia Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Molly dies during child birth her former best friend is gifted the journals Molly has kept up with as her years left with her predator step-dad.

Though the book is very disturbing it is a page turner.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no recollection of reading this book, except that it looks like the sort of thing I would've grabbed off the New Fiction shelf at the library.

[Evie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, while not a carbon copy of Lolita, it still makes one feel better about the things left out of the 1950's classic. The ending overwhelmed me with emotions.

[Athena Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's because I read this as a 13 year old girl, but I was in complete awe and in love with the character Molly and reading back on it now I still am. It's a wonderful read.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this after reading Lolita.