Other Shores

Vladimir Nabokov's book of memories "Other Shores" (1954) has an unusual structure and purpose: reconstructing the distant past — from the early years of the 20th century to May 1940 — he tries to uncover the development and repetition of hidden themes in an evident destiny. Such development and repetition cannot be hindered even by the most tragic years of Russian and European history, of which Nabokov was a witness. Despite time and space, the author of "The Gift" and "Lolita" strives with unprecedented skill and perseverance to return to his happy estate childhood — if not in body, then through his own "double in an American coat made of vicuña fur".