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Novel

Despair

1 min read·rus. Отчаяние · 1936

Interesting Facts

  • The main character, Hermann, considers himself a brilliant criminal and plans to commit the perfect murder, but his plans collapse due to his own overconfidence and mistakes.
  • The novel is written in the form of the protagonist's confession, allowing the reader to delve deeper into his psyche and understand his motives.
  • Nabokov uses elements of metafiction in the novel, with the protagonist addressing the reader and discussing the process of writing his story.
  • The theme of duality is present in the novel, as Hermann meets a man he believes to be his double, which becomes a key element of the plot.
  • Nabokov masterfully uses language and style, creating complex and multi-layered descriptions that highlight the protagonist's inner world and psychological state.
Despair
Date of publication: 30 August 2024
Updated: 14 November 2026
———Original title: rus. Отчаяние · 1936
Genre: Novel
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