Pale Fire
by Vladimir Nabokov

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Book Reviews of Pale Fire

Book Review: Great book - not sure about the poem
Summary: 4 Stars

The story is buried in the critical apparatus surrounding the poem, introduction, commentary, footnotes etc. You have to piece it together yourself ( not the dry exercise it might sound ) to uncover a tale of exile, academic rivalry, jealousy, paranoia and maybe murder. As the story progresses, though not in a straight line, it becomes clear the critic is unhinged. It also becomes clear that Nabokov is having great fun at the expense of American academic life and his fellow Russian emigres. Don't worry about being expected to read commentary, poem and notes in parallel - it really isn't necessary. Just settle in and enjoy Nabokov's language. To be honest I found the poem a bit mawkish ( Mccarthy's 'touching' is generous )but maybe next time I read it I'll feel differently.

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