Sebastian Smee on the legacy of Alice Munro

The novel, presented as the posthumously published memoirs of Humbert Humbert, explores themes of obsession, pedophilia, and the manipulation of reality. Humbert, a European intellectual and pedophile, becomes infatuated with Dolores Haze, whom he kidnaps and sexually abuses after marrying her mother. The narrative delves into the complex and disturbing relationship between Humbert and Lolita, highlighting issues of morality, solipsism, and the erasure of Lolita's independent identity. The book is known for its eloquent but deceptive narrator and its exploration of delusion, coercion, and cruelty.

Alice Munro's short stories delve into the intricacies of human relationships, particularly within families. Her writing is characterized by its emotional depth, psychological insight, and unflinching portrayal of complex characters. Munro masterfully explores themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Her stories often feature morally ambiguous characters and situations, leaving readers to grapple with the complexities of their actions and motivations. Munro's work has earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The novel follows Colin and Mary, an unmarried couple who have been together for seven years, as they spend a holiday in a city that strongly suggests Venice. Their relationship, though deep and intimate, has become dull and repetitive. One evening, while lost in the city's canals, they meet Robert, a forceful and enigmatic native who takes them to his bar and later to his home, where they meet his disabled wife, Caroline. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Robert and Caroline have a peculiar and sadistic relationship, which ultimately leads to a tragic and violent climax involving Colin and Mary. The novel explores themes of human sexuality, the impact of upbringing on behavior, and the blurred lines between intimacy and violence.