Anna’s review of Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle > Likes and Comments
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Great review Anna. I now want to read Ada. Merci!
![s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1735525095p1/6431467.jpg)
Oh this is a masterpiece of a review!!
This sounds fantastic, and I love how fairly unique it seems amongst Nabokov's books. You've really perfectly encapsulated so much of what I enjoy about him, especially your comment on how he can hit on themes that were definitely pretty taboo at the time (I like your point it might even be more subversive today) but do so in a way that is 'never sensationalistic or tawdry.' Well said. Your analysis of his writing and themes is brilliant too!
Also I love your line about how ' So many skilled literary writers perform circus tricks, but their work leaves you empty' but how Nabokov manages to not fall into this trap. I can't confirm it--I read this once somewhere but try as I might I can never find anything about it and wonder if I just made it up?--but I once read that Nabokov had a note on his writing desk that said "No gimmicks." I'd love that to be true because I think he manages to perform amazing literary acrobatics without it ever feeling gimmicky.
Anyways, fantastic review glad you loved this! Now I need to finally read it!
s.penkevich wrote: "Oh this is a masterpiece of a review!!
This sounds fantastic, and I love how fairly unique it seems amongst Nabokov's books. You've really perfectly encapsulated so much of what I enjoy about him, ..."
Thanks so much, Steven! I know you will love it and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. I think I first followed you after reading your wonderful reviews of Pale Fire and Lolita, so I know you love his writing and really get all of the nuances. But you're right, Ada is unique even for Nabokov. Every time I mention it to anyone they tell me they found it impenetrable and gave up after the first chapter. I had to read the first chapter about ten times and then look up what it meant—it really is impenetrable, even for fans of Pale Fire. Also, I've tried to start it about 5 times and failed each time until now. But once you make your way in, it's pure pleasure. xoxo
He's wrong about Borges but this is a brilliant review of Ada.
Peter wrote: "He's wrong about Borges but this is a brilliant review of Ada."
Yes, he's wrong about Borges! (and Dostoyevsky). He was so competitive with other writers.
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Tosh
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Apr 25, 2024 12:07PM
Great review Anna. I now want to read Ada. Merci!
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Oh this is a masterpiece of a review!!This sounds fantastic, and I love how fairly unique it seems amongst Nabokov's books. You've really perfectly encapsulated so much of what I enjoy about him, especially your comment on how he can hit on themes that were definitely pretty taboo at the time (I like your point it might even be more subversive today) but do so in a way that is 'never sensationalistic or tawdry.' Well said. Your analysis of his writing and themes is brilliant too!
Also I love your line about how ' So many skilled literary writers perform circus tricks, but their work leaves you empty' but how Nabokov manages to not fall into this trap. I can't confirm it--I read this once somewhere but try as I might I can never find anything about it and wonder if I just made it up?--but I once read that Nabokov had a note on his writing desk that said "No gimmicks." I'd love that to be true because I think he manages to perform amazing literary acrobatics without it ever feeling gimmicky.
Anyways, fantastic review glad you loved this! Now I need to finally read it!
s.penkevich wrote: "Oh this is a masterpiece of a review!!This sounds fantastic, and I love how fairly unique it seems amongst Nabokov's books. You've really perfectly encapsulated so much of what I enjoy about him, ..."
Thanks so much, Steven! I know you will love it and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. I think I first followed you after reading your wonderful reviews of Pale Fire and Lolita, so I know you love his writing and really get all of the nuances. But you're right, Ada is unique even for Nabokov. Every time I mention it to anyone they tell me they found it impenetrable and gave up after the first chapter. I had to read the first chapter about ten times and then look up what it meant—it really is impenetrable, even for fans of Pale Fire. Also, I've tried to start it about 5 times and failed each time until now. But once you make your way in, it's pure pleasure. xoxo
He's wrong about Borges but this is a brilliant review of Ada.
Peter wrote: "He's wrong about Borges but this is a brilliant review of Ada."Yes, he's wrong about Borges! (and Dostoyevsky). He was so competitive with other writers.
