Nabokov’s creative writing and some strong characters are undone by poor style choices that try to accomplish too much. One of Nabokov’s weaker novels, even though the characters of Van, Ada, and Lucette are quite memorable.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if I could. However, seeing as this was Faulkner’s first novel, I’m going with the higher rating due to his depth of themes and the melancholic power of his writing.
This is probably the best modern novel I have ever read. It’s the closest thing to Faulkner I think you will ever find, and it is incredibly heartbreaking.
Inferno - 5 Stars
Purgatorio - 3.5 stars
Paradiso - 2 stars
First off, no one should read the Wordsworth translation for either Purgatorio or Paradiso unless they're studying Romantic Age poetry for some reason. His antiquated writing, while lyrically impressive, is an absolute slog to get through in the second and third sections. Paradiso is extremely disappointing as well. The whole work is a complete journey, with Dante beginning his travels through the depths of despair in the Inferno, continuing into the waiting period of reconnection with God's grace in Purgatorio, and finishing in what should be the exalted final stop of the souls that are enjoying a radiant existence within God's light. However, there is way too much negativity in Paradiso, as well as critiques of Italy during Dante's time period. Instead of a beautiful final segment, Paradiso feels like a chiding reprimand towards those not in Paradise, and it honestly made Paradise seem a little smug.
Inferno should absolutely live on as one of the great pieces of classic literature, but I don't think Purgatorio and Paradiso should really be of much care for those not interested in the history of Italy.
Purgatorio - 3.5 stars
Paradiso - 2 stars
First off, no one should read the Wordsworth translation for either Purgatorio or Paradiso unless they're studying Romantic Age poetry for some reason. His antiquated writing, while lyrically impressive, is an absolute slog to get through in the second and third sections. Paradiso is extremely disappointing as well. The whole work is a complete journey, with Dante beginning his travels through the depths of despair in the Inferno, continuing into the waiting period of reconnection with God's grace in Purgatorio, and finishing in what should be the exalted final stop of the souls that are enjoying a radiant existence within God's light. However, there is way too much negativity in Paradiso, as well as critiques of Italy during Dante's time period. Instead of a beautiful final segment, Paradiso feels like a chiding reprimand towards those not in Paradise, and it honestly made Paradise seem a little smug.
Inferno should absolutely live on as one of the great pieces of classic literature, but I don't think Purgatorio and Paradiso should really be of much care for those not interested in the history of Italy.