Lolita Audiobook
Written by: Vladimir Nabokov
Narrated by: Jeremy Irons
Length: 11 hours and 32 minutes
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date: 09-26-05
Publisher: Random House Audio
Over the years, there have been a handful of novels, which have managed to impact individuals throughout the generations. There have been great novels, good novels, and truly impactful, revolutionary novels. When analyzing and attempting to classify Lolita, it would be a real mistake not to lump it into the latter category. The book has been in publication for over 50 years, yet it has never failed to amaze, shock and startle those, who have been brave enough to pick it up. Lolita is undoubtedly Vladimir Nabokov’s most amazing masterpiece and the audiobook lives up to that moniker in every sense.
The shocking, erotic love story is highly toted and is now available to more people than ever before. The Lolita audiobook form was published in 2005 and it is narrated by Jeremy Irons. Does the audio version manage to do justice to the ageless tale? Below, you’ll be able to find out about my review of the Lolita audiobook.
The Narration
As someone, who has been around the audiobook game for an extensive period of time, I have a bit of experience with Jeremy Irons. He is truly everywhere and has previously worked on an array of books, including Words That Burn, Damage, Empire of the Sun, and Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde. He is truly a master in the field, but Lolita is a major task for anyone, due to its length and complexity. The book isn’t something that can be taken with a grain of salt. It needs true professionalism and Irons undeniably delivers in this category.
Throughout the book, the listener will encounter a wide array of emotions. Sometimes, a scene is erotic. Other times, the book is happy or sad. With the assistance of Jeremy Irons, the listener will have no difficulty immersing him or herself into a specific scene and feeling the emotions of the characters in question. Not only does Irons deliver a professional performance, but also it is one that is overloaded with passion. It is very evident that Irons was familiar with the book and set out to do it justice. In this regard, he undeniably succeeds.
At the same time, I felt that Jeremy did a fabulous job transitioning from character to character. Even when voicing the youthful Dolores Haze, Jeremy remains convincing and helps to add realism to the book, scenes and characters. Despite being over 11 hours, I found that Lolita, in its entirety, was a true pleasure. I am not necessarily a patient individual, but I enjoyed every gripping minute spent with the Lolita audiobook.
At the same time, the unabridged audio is right on the money. It never drags or becomes dulled down at any point. Throughout, I was never able to identify any hiccups or blemishes, which would be able to hinder the story or devalue the audiobook. The audiobook and narration are truly flawless in ever sense of the word. Sure, sitting down and reading book would be a pleasurable experience, but the audiobook and Jeremy Irons’ magnificent narration elevates the experience to a whole new level.
The Story
If you may be a fan of enjoying novels in the traditional manner and have never set down to listen to an audiobook, it is suggested that you do so. Lolita for example, just happens to hold a unique synopsis that can be enjoyed using either method or both. The novel’s subject can definitely be seen in a controversial interpretation for many readers. The 366-page novel is a profound work of fiction that will leave you in disbelief.
The story begins by introducing the reader to Humbert Humbert, who just happens to be a very intelligent man that is struggling to overcome an untimely tragedy. Humbert becomes so distraught, but has no one to turn to for support, so he decides to use his imagination to turn his mind away from the grief. Humberts imaginative impressions are very bazaar and only he can understand their purpose.
Humbert has yet to act on his thoughts, but instead decides to marry a lady that has the mannerisms of a child. Of course, this is only a short-term fix that ends up in a brief stay in a psychiatric ward. After being released from the ward, Humbert finds himself struggling to gain control of his pro-pedophiliac fantasies. He is so desperate that he relocates to another town and in an attempt to transform his thoughts into something more productive begins to compose a novel.
Unfortunately, Humbert’s isolation efforts did not last very long. While he has no interest in dating ever again until he meets Mrs. Haze, who has a 12 year old daughter, Dolores. He becomes smitten with Dolores and decides to give her a secret nickname, “Lolita”. From this moment forward, life would never be the same for Dolores or Humbert, but you will need to listen to the audiobook to find out outcome.
Overall
When it comes down to it, I have experienced many enjoyable audiobooks in the past few years, but not many of them are capable of delivering the same impact as Lolita. The book itself is undoubtedly a classic and has ultimately managed to withstand the test of time, without a bit of difficulty. Now, the story can be experienced by a larger quantity of individuals and the audiobook is undeniably better in many ways.
Whether you’re looking for a good way to kill some time or want to experience a true classic, the Lolita audiobook is definitely a must. The book is excellent and the audiobook is even better. The story is easily relatable to modern society and that helps to make the experience even more impactful and eye opening. All in all, I absolutely loved Lolita and can almost guarantee that you’ll be able to do the same. The proven book remains the same, yet Jeremy Irons enhances it substantially. With that being said, I highly recommend that you check it out for yourself today!