Alisa Sniderman: It would be
interesting to hear about other ways of looking at Nabokov’s use of history in
his works. I am grateful for Pitzer’s addition to the collective knowledge of
Nabokov and hope that her book is an occasion not only for positive or negative
book reviews but also for stimulating exchanges and conversations between
scholars and lovers of Nabokov. I don’t think such conversations need be thought
as “threats to approaches.” Respectful disagreements can be very
productive.
Jansy Mello: You clarified
your perspective related to a "theatrical imagination" and
the insertion of comments about A.Pitzer's biography and VN's
early play "The Tragedy of Mr. Morn" in your essay about theater and
history. Your final paragraph makes an important point, mainly because it's
been addressed to the Nabokov Forum (sometimes this dimension of the
VN-L is forgotten). Nabokov's writings are open to various interpretations
and to controversial views. He deserves a space free from "threats to
approaches" because, as I see it, his intention is to ellicit different readings
from different readers and not to play hide-and-seek with a specific and
universal truth. His style invites a personal participation and allows for
personal development through dialogue. Thanks for your posting to Matt Roth and
List. .