Shipping Through the Holidays β˜€οΈπŸ“¦

Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

The Real Lolita

A Lost Girl, An Unthinkable Crime and A Scandalous Masterpiece
3.42 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 7,587 ratings, 1,114 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Real Lolita by Sarah Weinman delves into the chilling true story of the kidnapping of Sally Horner and its connection to Vladimir Nabokov's famous novel. The book unravels the clever intersections between real events and literary creation, offering a gripping exploration of crime, trauma, and the inspiration behind a literary classic. This compelling work bridges the gap between history and fiction, keeping the reader enthralled with its investigative flair.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Real Lolita. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy true crime stories that intertwine with literary history. It delves into the real-life abduction that inspired Nabokov's famous novel, providing an enthralling investigation into the case, its impact on culture, and the enduring mystery surrounding the events. If you're fascinated by the intersection of life, literature, and crime, you'll likely find this an intriguing read.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Real Lolita

The gripping, previously untold true story of the child abduction that inspired Vladimir Nabokov's LOLITA

'Nuanced and compassionate true-crime reportage and revelatory cultural and literary history' Megan Abbott

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Vladimir Nabokov's LOLITA is one of the most beloved and notorious novels of all time. And yet, very few of its readers know that the subject of the novel was inspired by a real-life case: the 1948 abduction of eleven-year-old Sally Horner.

Weaving together suspenseful crime narrative, cultural and social history, and literary investigation, THE REAL LOLITA tells Sally Horner's full story for the very first time. Drawing upon extensive investigations, legal documents, public records, and interviews with remaining relatives, Sarah Weinman uncovers how much Nabokov knew of the Sally Horner case and the efforts he took to disguise that knowledge during the process of writing and publishing LOLITA.

Sally Horner's story echoes the stories of countless girls and women who never had the chance to speak for themselves. By diving deeper into the publication history of Lolita and restoring Sally to her rightful place in the lore of the novel's creation, THE REAL LOLITA casts a new light on the dark inspiration for a modern classic.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Real Lolita by Sarah Weinman has been praised for its compassionate and necessary retelling of a tragic real-life case linked to Nabokov's Lolita. The book offers a nuanced blend of true crime, historical investigation, and literary analysis. Critics highlight its riveting narrative, in-depth research, and Weinman's skill in piecing together a compelling and heartbreakingly personal story, making readers reconsider the classic tale.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474605618

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 February 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Sarah Weinman is the editor of WOMEN CRIME WRITERS: EIGHT SUSPENSE NOVELS FROM THE 1940S AND 50S and TROUBLED DAUGHTERS, TWISTED WIVES: STORIES FROM THE TRAILBLAZERS OF DOMESTIC SUSPENSE. She is News Editor for PUBLISHERS MARKETPLACE, where she works on PUBLISHERS LUNCH. Her essays, features, and reviews have appeared in many print and online publications, including the GUARDIAN, NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORKER and WASHINGTON POST. Her features have twice been finalists for Canadian National Magazine Awards. www.sarahweinman.com | @sarahw

More from Crime & Thriller

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.