"Transparent Things" by Vladimir Nabokov is a short, complex novella that delves into the themes of perception, reality, and the impact of past associations on our present experiences. The story follows the protagonist, Hugh Person, as he navigates through surreal and mundane moments, blurring the boundaries between past and present. Nabokov's writing style is described as elegant, wistful, and perceptive, showcasing his masterful use of language to create an engaging and imaginative narrative.

Characters:

Characters are complex, primarily focusing on the flawed protagonist and his interactions that reveal deeper existential themes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its linguistic brilliance, complex narrative structures, and a blend of humor and profound philosophical reflections.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the straightforward yet complex life of the protagonist, Hugh Person, as he revisits Switzerland multiple times, examining his memories and emotional connections.

Setting:

The setting serves as a backdrop for both literal and emotional journeys, enhancing the thematic explorations of memory and history.

Pacing:

Pacing varies from brisk to requiring careful attention, emphasizing the need for contemplation to grasp the underlying significance.

AN OBLONG PUDDLE inset in the coarse asphalt; like a fancy footprint filled to the brim with quicksilver; like a spatulate hole through which you can see the nether sky. Surrounded. I note, by a diffu...

Notes:

The novel revolves around Hugh Person's four visits to Switzerland.

It features a non-linear narrative that shifts between time and reality.

Nabokov explores ideas about the afterlife, a recurring theme in his works.

The protagonist, Hugh, faces a psychological struggle that reflects his boredom and psychosis.

Objects in the story hold deep significance and evoke memories.

Nabokov's writing style is praised for its economy and vividness.

The narrative challenges readers with its complexity, often requiring multiple readings to understand.

Nabokov's humor and irony add to the novel's philosophical exploration.

The title 'Transparent Things' ironically contrasts with the hidden complexities of the story.

Nabokov began writing the novella in 1971 and completed it on April Fool's Day.

The novel highlights the elusive nature of meaning and perception in life.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are themes related to mental illness, existential despair, and references to the afterlife which may be unsettling or provoke deep thought.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level presence of romance, as the protagonist’s relationships and emotional experiences are significant yet not the central focus of the narrative.

From The Publisher:

"Transparent Things revolves around the four visits of the hero-sullen, gawky Hugh Person-to Switzerland . . . As a young publisher, Hugh is sent to interview R., falls in love with Armande on the way, wrests her, after multiple humiliations, from a grinning Scandinavian and returns to NY with his bride. . . . Eight years later-following a murder, a period of madness and a brief imprisonment-Hugh makes a lone sentimental journey to wheedle out his past. . . . The several strands of dream, memory, and time [are] set off against the literary theorizing of R. and, more centrally, against the world of observable objects." -Martin Amis

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