“Literature, real literature, must not be gulped down like some potion which may be good for the heart or good for the brain — the brain, that stomach of the soul. Literature must be taken and broken to bits, pulled apart, squashed — then its lovely reek will be smelt in the hollow of the palm, it will be munched and rolled upon the tongue with relish; then, and only then, its rare flavor will be appreciated at its true worth and the broken and crushed parts will again come together in your mind and disclose the beauty of a unity to which you have contributed something of your own blood.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Vladimir Nabokov

Russian novelist and literary critic of the 20th century, Nabokov is best known for his intricate, linguistically precise fiction, including *Lolita* and *Pale Fire*. His work blends psychological depth with playful, often ironic storytelling, earning him a lasting place in modern literature.

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