The Original of Laura is Vladimir Nabokov’s final, unfinished novel, published posthumously in 2009. Compiled directly from his original index cards, this fragmented work offers a unique window into Nabokov's creative process and experimental narrative style. The story centers on Flora, a captivating woman whose beauty and erotic allure enthrall those around her, including her older, dying husband, Philip Wild, a scholar obsessed with self-destruction. Through shifting perspectives and Nabokov’s characteristic wordplay, the novel delves into profound themes of mortality, obsession, and the power of imagination.

Why You Should Read?

• Gain insight into Vladimir Nabokov’s creative process through his raw, unfinished work.
• Experience Nabokov's signature wordplay, psychological depth, and experimental narrative techniques.
• Explore provocative themes of beauty, death, and self-destruction.
• Includes facsimiles of Nabokov’s original index cards, offering a direct look at his writing method.