Despair

Brief Overview

The novel «Despair» by Vladimir Nabokov tells the story of Hermann, a chocolate manufacturer who encounters his doppelgänger, a homeless man named Felix. Hermann decides to kill Felix to fake his own death and collect insurance money. However, his plan fails, and he ends up in prison. The novel explores themes of identity, moral decay, and self-deception, showcasing Nabokov's skill in creating complex and multi-layered characters.