Lolita

HumbertHumbertisamiddle-aged,fastidiouscollegeprofessor.Healsolikeslittlegirls.AndnonemoresothanLolita,whohe'lldoanythingtopossess.Isheinloveorinsane?Asilver-tonguedpoetorapervert?Atorturedsouloramonster?...Orisheallofthese?AnExtract?-Let'sstartonpageone...Lolita,lightofmylife,fireofmyloins.Mysin,mysoul.Lo-lee-ta:thetipofthetonguetakingatripofthreestepsdownthepalatetotap,atthree,ontheteeth.Lo.Lee.Ta.ShewasLo,plainLo,inthemorning,standingfourfeetteninonesock.ShewasLolainslacks.ShewasDollyatschool.ShewasDoloresonthedottedline.ButinmyarmsshewasalwaysLolita.Didshehaveaprecursor?Shedid,indeedshedid.Inpointoffact,theremighthavebeennoLolitaatallhadInotloved,onesummer,acertaininitialgirl-child.Inaprincedombythesea.Ohwhen?AboutasmanyyearsbeforeLolitawasbornasmyagewasthatsummer.Youcanalwayscountonamurdererforafancyprosestyle...