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Lance

Series: Penguin Modern
3.34 goodreads logo

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( 1,300 ratings, 194 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
Lance by Vladimir Nabokov is a science fiction novella that explores themes of exploration and existentialism. It follows the protagonist, Lance, on an interstellar journey that tests the boundaries of human experience and perception. The story delves deeply into the psyche of its characters, blending vivid imagery with philosophical reflections.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$299
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you love captivating stories that blend elements of science fiction with profound philosophical reflections. Nabokov's writing offers a unique, imaginative narrative that delves into the human condition, making it an intriguing read for those who appreciate rich and thought-provoking fiction.

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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

Fifty new books at £1 each, celebrating the pioneering spirit of the Penguin Modern Classics series, from inspiring essays to groundbreaking fiction and poetry.

'The illegible signature of teetering disaster'

Three great stories—The Aurelian, Signs and Symbols, and Lance—the latter is both a derisive attack on science fiction and an attempt to imagine the real pain and horror that would accompany space travel.

Series: Penguin Modern

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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?

Lance by Vladimir Nabokov, described in reviews, captivates with its intricate narrative and philosophical depth. Readers applaud Nabokov's masterful use of language and his ability to weave complex themes seamlessly into the storytelling. Some critiques highlight a challenge in the plot's accessibility, yet many readers find it a compelling exploration of human consciousness and creativity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241339527

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 February 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 5.0mm

Width: 110.0mm

Height: 159.0mm

Weight: 46g

Pages: 64

About the Author

Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977), born in St Petersburg, exiled in Cambridge, Berlin, and Paris, became the greatest Russian writer of the first half of the twentieth century. Fleeing to the US with his family in 1940, he then became the greatest writer in English of the second half of the century, and even 'God's own novelist' (William Deresiewicz). He lived in Europe from 1959 onwards, and died in Montreux, Switzerland. All his major works - novels, stories, an autobiography, poems, plays, lectures, essays and reviews - are published in Penguin Modern Classics.

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