The Terrifying Trick at the Heart of Lolita

Who is Vladimir Nabokov? Why is Lolita so controversial? And, what was the reaction to its publication? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the story behind Lolita, and the novel itself. Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-prote.... Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier and Josh Smith Executive Producer: Dom Johnson 0:00 Why Lolita remains so controversial 2:39 Klarna 6:23 Vladimir Nabokov’s extraordinary life 11:22 Revolution, exile and the murder of Nabokov’s father 19:21 Where did the idea for Lolita come from? 25:37 Rejection, publication and the banning of Lolita 31:32 Nabokov’s extraordinary writing style 38:17 Humbert Humbert: literature’s great unreliable narrator 46:36 Charlotte Haze and Humbert’s cruelty 54:23 Who is the real Lolita? 59:43 The hidden clues and puzzles inside Lolita 1:05:03 Clare Quilty and the hall of mirrors 1:09:00 Lolita’s great American road trip 1:14:08 The return of Dolores and the final showdown 1:17:25 Does Humbert finally feel remorse? 1:22:41 Final thoughts and scores