Description
Book SynopsisThe Real Life of Sebastian Knight is one of Vladimir Nabokov's most autobiographical novels and it has often been observed that Sebastian's passionate affair with the femme fatale Nina Rechnoy is a dramatized extension of Nabokov's infatuation with Irina Guadanini. In this book it is shown that the novel also conceals another, secluded, love affair Sebastian had with a man, which reflects the main episode in the life of Nabokov's brother Sergey. By pursuing many biographical and literary references and allusions, and by disregarding the deceptive guiding by the narrator (Sebastian's half-brother), this moving story about Sebastian's silent love becomes brightly visible.
Trade Review“This comprehensive analysis offers a very close reading of the text that proves to be particularly revealing in terms of Nabokov’s method. … After giving essential background information on the genesis of the novel, … de Vries illuminates its extraordinary complexity. His insightful comments unveil the scope of the novel’s references and allusions.” — Irina Marchesini, SEER, Vol. 96, No. 2Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Annotations
Chapter 3: Motifs: Narrative
Chapter 4: Motifs: Identities
Chapter 5: Motifs: Death and Beyond
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Works Cited
Index
