RexLegendi reviewed Pnin (Penguin Modern Classics) by Vladimir Nabokov
Review of 'Pnin (Penguin Modern Classics)' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Professor Pnin is above all an endearing character. Partly based on Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977) himself, the eccentric Russian-born ophthalmologist-turned-teacher (‘his father was Dostoyevsky’s family doctor’) struggles to adjust in the United States. Whatever future he might have had if Europe had not been war-torn, Pnin seems unable to find his footing outside the old continent. While consistently reflecting on the past (which involves both historical atrocities and cultural excellence), he grapples with (informal) American manners and the English language. Nabokov makes clear what migration does to social status: once a respectable doctor, poor professor Pnin is now at the mercy of his employer and landlords.
Pnin is an incredibly witty novel. Some parts are dense and difficult to read, but I appreciated those where the narrator – who reveals himself in the last chapter – intervenes. Since dignity seems to be an important topic between the lines, the …
Professor Pnin is above all an endearing character. Partly based on Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977) himself, the eccentric Russian-born ophthalmologist-turned-teacher (‘his father was Dostoyevsky’s family doctor’) struggles to adjust in the United States. Whatever future he might have had if Europe had not been war-torn, Pnin seems unable to find his footing outside the old continent. While consistently reflecting on the past (which involves both historical atrocities and cultural excellence), he grapples with (informal) American manners and the English language. Nabokov makes clear what migration does to social status: once a respectable doctor, poor professor Pnin is now at the mercy of his employer and landlords.
Pnin is an incredibly witty novel. Some parts are dense and difficult to read, but I appreciated those where the narrator – who reveals himself in the last chapter – intervenes. Since dignity seems to be an important topic between the lines, the novel reminded me of Kazuo Ishiguro’s [b:The Remains of the Day|57934597|The Remains of the Day|Kazuo Ishiguro|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620064369l/57934597.SY75.jpg|3333111] as well.
Next on my list is Nabokov’s [b:Pale Fire|33986506|Pale Fire|Vladimir Nabokov|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485377224l/33986506.SY75.jpg|1222661].
