UserReviewexpand_more
hubAsk
trending_upmilitary_techadd
homeAlllocal_fire_departmentPopular (24h)trending_upPopular (Week)new_releasesLatest
Popular Categoriesexpand_more
health_and_beauty
Beauty and Health
child_care
Children's
developer_board
Technology
flight
Tourism
pets
Animals
theaters
Film and TV
auto_stories
Books
inventory_2
Products
table_restaurant
Tableware
directions_car
Auto
add
View All
Resources
infoAbout UserReviewhelpHelp CentergavelTerms & Privacy
UserReview © 2026. All rights reserved.
UserReview

The most trusted review platform. We help you make confident decisions with real user reviews and honest experiences.

FBTWIGrss_feed

Explore

  • Categories
  • Leaderboard
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Reviews

Community

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Legal Center
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best reviews directly to your inbox.

rate_reviewWrite a Review
© 2026 UserReview. © 2024 UserReview. All rights reserved.•Made with♥for the community
Language
edit
A Disappointing Read: 'Despair' Falls Flat
laurenCox7
Books•last week
3.8
photo_library1
visibility5
Despair by Vladimir Nabokov: A Reader's Review
Ürünstar 3.8

Despair by Vladimir Nabokov: A Reader's Review

Dive into Vladimir Nabokov's classic novel Despair, and get the inside scoop on its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and what readers are saying about it. Is this literary masterpiece worth your time?
chevron_right

A Disappointing Read: 'Despair' Falls Flat

summarizeEditor's Summary

I dove into Vladimir Nabokov's 'Despair' expecting a thought-provoking read, but what I got was a draining experience. Nabokov's writing style is unmistakable, but the book's bleak tone and pessimistic outlook made it hard for me to connect with. I was hoping for something more inspiring, but 'Despair' left me feeling drained and unmotivated. If you're into darker, more philosophical literature, you might find it interesting, but for me, it was a total letdown.

Review image 1

settingsSpecifications

KararKötü
HikayeGücü4/10
YazınKalitesi6/10
KarakterGelişimi5/10
A Disappointing Read: 'Despair' Falls Flat
I dove into Vladimir Nabokov's 'Despair', expecting a thought-provoking read, but what I got was a seriously draining experience.
Nabokov's writing style is unmistakable, with a deep understanding of human nature and a keen analysis of our emotions. But despite that, the book just didn't resonate with me.
I was hoping for something more inspiring, but 'Despair' is a heavy, pessimistic read that left me feeling drained and unmotivated.
It's not a bad book, by any means. If you're into darker, more philosophical literature, you might find it interesting. But for me, it was a total letdown.
I was expecting more depth, more complexity, but what I got was a bleak, unsettling experience that I couldn't shake off.
For a book that's all about the human condition, I found it weirdly disconnected from my own emotions.
Overall, I'd give it 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Pros: Nabokov's writing is always a treat, and his understanding of human nature is unmatched.Cons: The book's bleak tone and pessimistic outlook made it hard for me to connect with.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is 'Despair' a good book for readers who enjoy philosophical literature?

Yes, 'Despair' is a great choice for readers who enjoy philosophical literature and are looking for a thought-provoking read.

What are the main themes of 'Despair'?

The main themes of 'Despair' include existential crisis, the search for meaning, and the human condition.

Is 'Despair' a difficult book to read?

Yes, 'Despair' can be a challenging read due to its dense and complex writing style, as well as its bleak and pessimistic tone.

What kind of reader will enjoy 'Despair'?

Readers who enjoy darker, more philosophical literature and are looking for a thought-provoking read will likely enjoy 'Despair'.

Is 'Despair' a good choice for readers who are looking for a lighthearted or uplifting read?

No, 'Despair' is not a good choice for readers who are looking for a lighthearted or uplifting read, as it deals with heavy and pessimistic themes.

What is the writing style of 'Despair' like?

The writing style of 'Despair' is beautiful and evocative, but can be dense and challenging to follow at times.

Are the characters in 'Despair' well-developed?

Yes, the characters in 'Despair' are well-developed and nuanced, even if I didn't always connect with them.

Does 'Despair' have a clear resolution or sense of hope?

No, 'Despair' does not have a clear resolution or sense of hope, which can be frustrating for some readers.

check_circlePros

  • •Nabokov's writing is always a treat, and his understanding of human nature is unmatched.
  • •The book's themes of existential crisis and the search for meaning are thought-provoking.
  • •Nabokov's use of language is beautiful and evocative, even if it doesn't always resonate.
  • •The book's exploration of the human condition is complex and multi-faceted.
  • •The writing is engaging and immersive, even if the story itself doesn't always hold my attention.
  • •Nabokov's characters are well-developed and nuanced, even if I didn't always connect with them.
  • •The book's philosophical themes are well-executed and thought-provoking.
  • •Nabokov's writing is often poetic and evocative.

cancelCons

  • •The book's bleak tone and pessimistic outlook made it hard for me to connect with.
  • •I was hoping for something more inspiring, but 'Despair' left me feeling drained and unmotivated.
  • •The book's lack of a clear resolution or sense of hope left me feeling unsatisfied.
  • •The characters' motivations and actions sometimes feel arbitrary or unexplainable.
  • •The book's themes of despair and hopelessness can be overwhelming and difficult to read.
  • •The writing can be dense and challenging to follow at times.
  • •The book's pace is slow and plodding.
  • •The characters are often unlikable and hard to relate to.

Related Reviews

More reviews in Books.

View all reviews
Joseph Campbell's Hero Archetype: A Game-Changing Exploration of Mythology
Portrait of Write1
Write1• 10 hours ago

Joseph Campbell's Hero Archetype: A Game-Changing Exploration of Mythology

Joseph Campbell's Hero Archetype is a thought-provoking journey through the world of mythology, offering a fresh perspective on the hero's journey and its relev

Other Books
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
A Gripping Read: Perfect for a China Thriller Introduction!
Portrait of Jason_Fields
Jason_Fields• 11 hours ago

A Gripping Read: Perfect for a China Thriller Introduction!

Discover the captivating world of Fan Mu, a university student living in a dorm, as he navigates the strict student dynamics and gets entangled in a web of myst

Books / Literary Fiction
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
A Book That'll Haunt You Long After You Finish Reading
Portrait of sophieW_
sophieW_• 11 hours ago

A Book That'll Haunt You Long After You Finish Reading

This book is a raw and honest collection of stories that'll leave you breathless and change your perspective on the human experience during wartime.

Other Books
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Despair by Vladimir Nabokov: A Reader's Review

Despair by Vladimir Nabokov: A Reader's Review

Ürüne Git