Ayo Onatade is an avid reader of crime and mystery fiction. She has been writing reviews, interviews and articles on the subject for the last 12 years; with an eclectic taste from historical to hardboiled, short stories and noir films
Nabokov’s classic Lolita has taken has taken on a new perspective with Sarah Weinman’s reverting story about the life of Sally Horner.
What happened to her has been vividly brought to life in a compassionate manner.
Renowned literary critic Sarah Weinman has brought all her experience and knowledge into writing about Sally Horner, ensuring that she is not just a token plot point in Nabokov’s novel. Horner was, in fact, an integral part of Nabokov’s Lolita and with The Real Lolita the author's latest work has ensured that Sally Horner is not just a footnote in Nabokov’s own novel.
I am careful about using words such as ‘outstanding’ and ‘fascinating’ when reviewing books especially non-fiction work, but in the case of The Real Lolita, these words are apt.
The author’s detective work in ferreting out information, fact-checking, meeting surviving family members and showing the way in which Nabokov essentially used Horner’s tragic life for his own ends to make Lolita the sensation it has become.
Despite the fact that I am not normally a big reader of true crime, Sarah's book is making me revise my views. It is well researched, thought provoking and gives an insight to the life of Sally Horner that has never been aired before. Sarah Weinman has guaranteed that Horner will not be tucked away in a corner and forgotten.
The Real Lolita is a must read for anyone who has even a cursory interest in Nabokov or Lolita. It is true crime meets literary criticism. Stylishly written alongside, industrious and knowledgeable sleuthing. Sarah Weinman has also highlighted the way in which young girls both in real life (and in fiction) can be portrayed in death. It is a damming indictment that lives on to this day.
If you have read Nabokov’s Lolita, then fine. But reading The Real Lolita will not only give you a better insight into the novel but also will make you wish that Sally Horner’s life is not just a footnote to a life cut short so tragically.
The Real Lolita is a book that is bound to become a classic in its own right and rightly so.
