Did
Vladimir Nabakov use a kidnapping he read about in the newspaper as a
frame for his notorious novel? Ms. Weinman sets out to prove that he
did in this work.
She begins at the beginning: the abduction of
nine-year-old Sally Horner on one side, and Nabakov's Russian writings
on the other. Several of these writings explore the idea of an older
man obsessed with a teenage girl.
We follow Sally's harrowing
ordeal, using what is known about modern day long-term abduction
survivors to fill in the blanks. We also follow Nabakov's drafts, notes,
and general writing process. These notes and papers, released by the
National Archive, allow us to see the turning of the cogs of an
incredibly intricate mind. Like watching a seed you've planted
germinate and sprout leaves, we see the creation of Lolita, in as much
as anyone can see into the mind of another.
From the first
pages, we can trace our fingers along and see the similarities in the
two tales. There are points of difference, too, but the similarities
make the case. They are so blatant it is impossible to ignore.
And
Poor Sally Horner is in the middle of it all. In a time before Amber
Alert, the 911 system, and digital photography, once Sally is out of
sight.... Doing everything possible to bring her home isn't anywhere near
doing enough.
After two years of captivity and *ape, a
suspicious "appendectomy" Sally is offered an unmonitored phone that she
can use to call home.
If you're in to truecCrime or literary
analysis, you might want to check this book out. Ms. Weinman is a
sensitive but insightful guide through it all. If you read the stories
of Jaycee Dugard or Elizabeth Smart, you will definitely want to read
this.
4/5
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