Explore The Enthusiastic Epistles of Nabokov in ‘Letters to Vera’
Vladimir Nabokov, one of the literary giants of the 20th century, renowned for his linguistic prowess in novels like “Lolita” and “Pale Fire,” has another breathtaking body of work to his name. That is, his correspondence with his wife, Vera, collectively bound into a book titled “Letters to Vera“.
Edited by Olga Voronina and Brian Boyd, this anthology provides rare insights into Nabokov’s life through letters written to his wife. Spanning from their first meeting in 1923 until shortly before his death in 1977, these letters reveal vulnerable and passionate elements of Nabokov rarely seen in his literature.
Each entry in “Letters to Vera” is a testament to their profound relationship. Brimming with crisply narrated anecdotes of the writer’s experiences, his playful humor, intense yearning, and keen observance of life are made evident. More importantly, the deep compassion, respect, and unwavering devotion he had for Vera, shine through in each letter.
While the collection permits us to sneak a peek into Nabokov’s daily life and routines, it also unveils his transformation from a young Russian émigré to an established American writer. Besides, the book, a trove of poignant emotions, transcends time and place, illustrating the complexities and beauty of love in its most authentic form.
Delightfully, the book also features photographs of the couple, an index organizing their correspondents, and a foreword by renowned novelist Dmitri Nabokov, their son. The book brings alive the magical and paradoxical roller-coaster of love, presenting it in an archetypal form that is relevant today and probably will be in times to come.
For those who cherish reading letters, adulate love sagas, or admire Nabokov’s literary style, “<a href='https://www.amazon.com/Letters-to-Vera/dp/0141192232?tag=thegentlem0a9
