The Magician's Doubts

Focusing on Vladimir Nabokov's complex personality, Michael Wood delves into the author's blend of arrogance and mischief, revealing him as a multifaceted figure beyond the typical labels of aesthete or moralist. The book offers fresh insights into major works such as Pnin, Lolita, and Pale Fire, while also examining earlier writings and selected short stories. Additionally, it discusses Nabokov's translation of Eugene Onegin and his philosophical views on literature, memory, pity, and pain, enriching the understanding of his literary legacy.