'Lolita' the opening of the book by Vladimir Nabokov (story read by Tom O'Bedlam)

The risk of reading this is that people won't get it. Lolita is a love story and a very sincere and touching one, too: the fact that Humbert Humbert is a despicable aberration of humanity notwithstanding. When playing the character one has to be sympathetic, but that isn't an endorsement of that character's persona. The reaction that bothers me is, "Hey, that's creepy" and my response would be, "'You're observant. But what's your point?" If there's a non-creepy way of playing a child molester then I don't know what it is.

The references to a former girl child and seraphs is from Poe's poem Annabel Lee.

Lolita was one of the - say four or five - greatest novels of the 20th century. My reason for posting this is that a hitherto unpublished novel called "The Original of Laura" by Vladimir Nabokov has just come to light. It will be published on November 17th, 2009 - about two weeks from now.

Nabokov had requested that upon his death the work be destroyed.

He had also tried to burn Lolita but his wife stopped him. You can read the rest of Lolita here:

[blazehok]

As an English major I was assigned this book no less than three times for various courses. Each time I was amazed at Nabokov's brilliance. Thank you for reminding me-thinking I just might read it again, this time to appreciate the beauty of the writing, not for study.

[atarahmary]

Such a beautifully written book. I'm in love with your voice. Thank you for this

[TheArchDandy]

Beautiful. Thank you so much for posting this. I'd hoped that you would, after you mentioned it on your profile. I'm so happy right now- It's my favorite book, and a joy to read, read out loud, or listen to. This is a great reading- your voice is wonderful, as always. Here, it lends the words more depth, if possible.

[jonno]

Lolita is a quite brilliant work. Thank you for this reading. A pity it is misunderstood by some who haven't read it. Very complex, sometimes horrifying - the shooting in particular - and very funny at times. And poignant - eg that chapter which ends, if I remember correctly, "You see, she had absolutely no where else go". I think he's one of the very finest writers of the 20th century, on a par with Forster.

[thescreamingid]

bravo! one of the best books to read....

[trianjara]

O'Bedlam and the Nabokov's masterpiece

[SpokenVerse]

Keep at it - it has a good claim to be the best novel of the 20th century. At one time, Nabokov wanted to burn it.

[tomsleeman]

Ok well, .... thanks! ....In the extremely unlikely event that I get permission to use a tiny passage of this book for my song, do 'you' at least give me permission to use your reading of It!!? (....It's the deep smokey voice! perfect!!!!)

By the way thanks for getting back to me and helping me out.

Tom....