Partis pris by Vladimir Nabokov, Vladimir Sikorsky

3.92 AVERAGE

firolimn's review against another edition

4.25
funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced
 
Strong Opinions is repetitive—sometimes justifiably, sometimes bewilderingly—and is filled with tracts of dubious worth to the median reader. Still, there are highlights. Near the end, a delightful essay on inspiration. Before that, one of the most amusing takedowns I've read. Comedic and insightful, it is worth reading. I do recommend approaching the book with a readiness to skim passages. 
a_serpent_with_corners's profile picture

a_serpent_with_corners's review against another edition

funny reflective medium-paced
Unremitting haughtiness, obviously, but enjoyable with it. The unreserved delight about lepidoptera is quite touching, set alongside that. Enjoyed the DEVIOUS TRICK that was pulled in one of the "interviews" as well.

sarahscire's review against another edition

5.0
This collection of articles, transcribed interviews, and editorials was alternatively fascinating and informative. Nabokov is found to be uproariously funny, undeniably genius, and startlingly bad at public speaking.

NOTE: The Wilson-Nabokov debate over a Russian translation inspired me to read their entire correspondence [book: Dear Bunny, Dear Volodya: The Nabokov-Wilson Letters].