Evison is slated as "derivative" at one stage, yet blamed later in the review because Will shows none of H-H's remorse.

Nabokov is much too subtle, and also too morally straightforward, a writer for Humbert's attitude to be described simply as "remorse". Nabokov (in "Strong Opinions" merely grants him one evening's parole a year from Hell. Somebody truly remorseful would not have gone on to murder Quilty on the grounds that Quilty did not recognise Humbert's essential inner innocence! I have often commented on the moral bankruptcy of much of the discussion by literary people of what are quite simple, but in no way simplistic, moral issues.

 

Anthony Stadlen