Lolita

Risqu?. Controversial. Tragicomedy. Such elements make up Lolita, which is why it is on Time Magazine's 100 Best English-Language Novels from 1923 to 2005.

Vladimir Nabokov deliciously tells the story of sophisticated pedophile Humbert Humbert, who becomes attached to a 12-year-old girl - Lolita. What makes the plot more twisted is that Lolita is sexually precocious, and therefore engages in a consensual sexual relationship with Humbert, who practically becomes her father when her mother dies.

Parentless, Lolita has no choice but to live with Humbert under his terms. As they travel from city to city, we witness the perverseness of the relationship as Lolita reciprocates the power dynamic. She refuses to have sex with Humbert unless he spoils her in such ways as buying her clothes, toys, and letting her act in the school play. It is even more intriguing to see the relationship escalate into one of love-hate: Humbert eventually falls in love with Lolita, yet at the same time he despises her crassness and American-teenage girl immaturity, which clashes with his European scholarly background.

After they argue on the opening night of the school play, Lolita, much to Humbert's delight, suddenly suggests that the two of them continue traveling the country. During this time they are followed by a mysterious stranger, whom Lolita strangely seems to know. At one of their stops, she disappears, confirming Humbert's suspicions that his precious Lolita is connected to the mysterious stalker.

The novel becomes even more exciting as we find out what Lolita gets involved in, as well as how Humbert deals with his sorrow after her disappearance. The story climaxes into a surprising and scandalous ending, portraying the intertwinement of revenge, obsession, and unsurprisingly, insanity.

Distinctively well-written, Nabokov pulls us into a vivid psychological mind of a pedophile using a strong voice and one of the most animated protagonists I've seen. The first person narration by Humbert takes us on a roller coaster as we experience his perverse yet clever and justified way of observing and thinking.

Shameless. Vibrant. Original. I recommend Lolita for its theatrical and psychological plot, uniquely strong sense of character, and colorful, intimate narration.

LINK to book photo: http://img.slate.com/media/1/123125/122946/2112097/2131456/051216_Books_...