I spent the entirety of my time with this book simultaneously disgusted and impressed. I was cringing at the paragraphs and yet also amazed by their structure. I found that I didn't want to get back to it, didn't want to pick it up, due to how uncomfortable the subject matter made me. Nabokov certainly knows how to write and it's a testament to his writing ability that he could take something so grotesque and give it form as something almost beautiful. Even if that beauty is merely a disguise. ( )

When I was reading this in Costa Coffee I always made sure it was lying flat on the table. The first book on paedophilia I have ever read, but one brilliant brilliant read. The writing was so good I wanted to applaud, and it was seriously funny too. Very different and very very good. ( )

The only reason why this book doesn't get five stars from me is because I feel it really loses steam about three quarters of the way through. One might say that this was a purposeful devise, but it still left me feeling "I hope this book is over soon", even though I had been completely hooked on it not long before.

Criticism over, I do think Lolita is a real work of art, forcing us to question ourselves and human nature. The imagery is thick, rich and syrupy. Perfect to read on a hot summer day; it a book which is best read in matching weather.

Read it, go on. You'll never feel the same again. ( )