I am so torn on this book.

On one hand it is absolutely despicable. It is the very definition of trigger warning, and I nearly vomited when I started reading it.

On the other hand it is an elegantly written brilliantly crafted look at a man. A man who is not only a pedophile, he is so absorbed with his own self interests that he considers himself charitable when he does not murder someone.

This was such a hard read for me. Not only for my own demons, but for the knowledge that this has been written down and shared to the world. Also, the perspective in which it was shared. Not from the view of Lolita but from her abuser. He paints such a grand vision of his own innocence and self importance.

Yes, I think that is my biggest issue with this novel. Not specifically the topic, but how it was handled. It was romanticized and Lolita was painted as such a spoiled brat that benefited from the arrangement. I also understand that this was exactly the point.

I am glad that I finally picked up this book, but I do not think that I could stomach a second read.