Vladimir Nabokov

NABOKV-L post 0012022, Wed, 9 Nov 2005 19:18:26 -0800

Subject
Re: Fwd: Mc Fate's ODD Thought for today
Date
Body
Dear Carolyn,

I believe it is not a big deal if you still in
confusion regarding Old Style and New Style (actual
event took place in the night of 25th and 26th, but
celebrated on the 7th of November - New Style). You
are making much bigger blunder using the term "exile"
- instead of escape. So many people risked their lives
while leaving the country.

As for your speculation on Nabokov's "kar'era", who
knows he might be a very decent cook. But why not to
think that he would have become who he is now? (with
one tragedy less - writing in English). Too simple?
I think it is pretty obvious that social catastrophes
are not the sourse for talents.

Cheers, Vladimir

Dear Don,

Having been burned publicly on the subject of old and
new style
calendars, I
will express no opinion on the true date of the
Russian revolution...

But as to your "odd thought", I think your reasoning
is more
reasonable
than Alexey's. No exile? The name Vladimir Nabokov
would resonate only
within certain insectophile circles. He might have
become an excellent
chess player. Happy? Wealthy? Wise? Yes. Literary
greatness? Doubtful.
Such is Mc Fate.

Carolyn

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