Pnin
Vladimir Nabokov · 1899–1977 · Russia / USA
Why it matters
A bumbling, tender émigré professor mangles English and dignity in equal measure across an American campus that never quite lets him in. Nabokov's gentlest book hides real heartbreak under its comedy.
At a glance
psychological novelcomedy
Difficulty 4/10medium pace191 pagesEpisodic chapters and a light comic surface make this Nabokov's most accessible novel.
Where to go next
Vladimir Nabokov · 1938Invitation to a BeheadingLvl 7Slow burn
Vladimir Nabokov · 1951Speak, MemoryLvl 6Slow burn
Vladimir Nabokov · 1955LolitaLvl 8Medium pace
Vladimir Nabokov · 1962Pale FireLvl 9Slow burn
Vladimir Nabokov · 1969Ada, or Ardor: A Family ChronicleLvl 9Slow burn
Nikolai Gogol · 1842Dead SoulsLvl 5Medium pace