The A.Knopf 1995 edition of "The Stories of Nabokov" that I own contains only 65 short-stories. I read that in the 1997 Vintage Edition the total number was raised to 66, with the addition of “Easter Rain” and I knew that two more stories were added later, "Natasha" (2008)and "The Word." (1923/2005)  Somehow "Easter Rain" (1925/1990) was left out from my readings and I only discovered its existence through the recent Brazilian re-edition of the Stories.

What a jolt back in time but, although it carries traces of Nabokov's future "Mademoiselle O" (written from the perspective of the governess) and other stories about old couples in exile, or one of VN's (and mine) favorite images of a leaf weighed down by a drop of water he'd extend in RLSK, my sensation was that of having found a VN pastiche, that is, of a Nabokov imitator inspired by his future novels and stories (or might it have been a pastiche of Katherine Mansfield?). 

 

I wonder if Nabokov would have included his immature "The Word" and "Easter Rain" in any Anthology, just as he didn't plan over-ripe "The Original of Laura" to be published - unless he had in mind their historic interest to scholars intent on questions such as "did America mellow VN's attitude towards people?" or "when did Nabokov's sense of humor and compassion prevail over grumpy satire?". Thoughts?