Despair by Vladimir Nabokov
The novel revolves around a man who encounters his doppelgänger and becomes obsessed with the striking resemblance between them. This obsession leads him to concoct an elaborate scheme involving identity exchange and insurance fraud. As the protagonist meticulously plans what he believes to be the perfect crime, his narrative becomes increasingly unreliable, revealing his descent into madness. The story unfolds through a complex structure of layered storytelling, blending reality with the protagonist's delusions, and culminates in a darkly ironic twist that challenges the reader's perception of truth and fiction.
The 7734th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1934
- Nationality
- Russian
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 200-250
- Original Language
- Russian
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.8)
- Alternate Titles
- - Förtvivlan
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 29th on 100 Best Novels, in Translation, Since 1900 (CounterPunch)
- 2455th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)