Other Shores

Vladimir Nabokov's memoir "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 overt 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. Against the backdrop of time and space, the author of "The Gift" and "Lolita" strives with unmatched artistry and persistence to return to his happy childhood in the estate — if not in flesh, then through his own "double in an American coat made of vicuña fur".