Speak Memory: An Autobiography Revisited

Probably one of my favorite autobiographies to date (beaten only perhaps by the Education of Henry Adams). Realistically, it is 4.56 stars given the narrative gaps (most were written as individual pieces for Atlantic Monthly, the New Yorker and Harpers). The section on butterflies (Chapter 6), his Russian education (Chapter 9), and his portrait of his mother (Chapter 2) were absolutely AMAZING. Other chapters were just as good, and only a couple were less than what I hoped. It is interesting to think of Nabokov writing these in English in Massachusetts from his Russian memories and then translating them in the 1950s back into Russian and then using the Russian version to edit a new edition in 1966. The human mind, with all its varieties, is an phenomenal thing...but Nabokov's mind and the prose it produces makes me want to just lay down and lick the back of my own head in jealousy.

a beautifully written biography that captures much of Nabokov's life with particular
reference to his childhood. From this perspective Nabokov's perceptiveness and
remarkable memory give the listener a unique prism from which to view the unfolding of his
own life and those around him. Small details like the muff that his mother raises to her
face to keep out the cold as she is drawn along by the sleigh take on an importance equal
to many more weighty events drawn by the story.
Because it is told from the point of reference of an emigre, looking back to a world in
Russia now almost entirely gone, there is a poignancy in much of what is related.
Some of the people who inhabit the story sadly never survive the political turmoil and wars
of the times. In a sense the writer pays remarkable homage to these people, swept away
by the tide of history.
I would have chosen a different narrator for this particular story, but otherwise it was a
delight.

Yes. I love Nabokov, so I may be a bit biased, but this book illuminates so much more than just a man and his life, and more than just his life's work. It is filled with insight into many aspects of life. It's also a very interesting history told through a wise and eloquent lens.

Well, Nabokov I suppose. Also Vera.

Stefan's voice seems perfect for every aspect of this book. I very much enjoyed it.

Chapter 11 section 2. A simple but beautiful notion about life, art, and the artist.

I was traveling to Russia and thought I'd take this along since much takes place in St. Petersburg. This is not an easy book nor everyone's cup of tea. That said, it is a stunning account by the author of his early years prior to 1940; he examines the question of "who am I?" through stories, fragments of memories and a robust portrait of his father. The writing is addictive, despite, or maybe because of the author's attitude being quite humorless, definitely arrogant and sometimes didactic. I watched a youtube video interview of Nabokov, and the real man was quite bristly and he had an odd, odd accent (despite his Cambridge education.) The narrator (Rudnicki) does a clever job of capturing the real man, without alienating us. I don't think I would have read this book on paper; listening to it was made easy by this production. The narrator handles the long, winding passages with ease. It was a delicious listen.

Nabokov is a Master of words, the memoir itself is beautifully written, but I regret spending the money on this audiobook. Let the narrator's Slavic surname not fool you - he butchers Russian names and titles hopelessly. Of course, if you are not familiar with Russian, it wouldn't be a problem, but I couldn't help but cringe every time.

It is pleasant to have Nabokov as a companion on long car journeys, but why has S. Rudnicki been made the voice of Nabokov in so many of these audio recordings? He is a lifeless, slow, plodding reader, with a rebarbative accent. COuldn't they have found someone with a bit of dramatic dash, or at least with a pleasant voice?

of course! the reader's voice is exceptional! as is of course any writing by Nabokov!

I practically never listen to any audiobooks therefore cannot compare.

No, I haven't heard his other performances. Bound to be as sterling as this one, am certain.

I never listen to anything in one sitting, no matter how terrific. I like to spread it across time to extend the pleasure, like reading a good book.

The Voice! Simply supreme!! Commanding! powerful!