The Luzhin Defense by Nabokov Vladimir Book and Movie Review

The Luzhin Defense by Nabokov Vladimir Book and Movie Review

In my opinion, this book is far superior to Lolita. This book shows the storytelling expertise of Nabokov Vladimir. The book goes from beginning to end of Luzhin's life. Luzhin is a child prodigy who learns how to play chess from his aunt. As an adult, he is well on his way to becoming a champion, if only he could control his anxiety. This is also about the Russian exile from communist Soviet Union. His Burgess family had to leave everything behind to escape the crazed plebeians.



More than a chess story, this is a love story between Luzhin and a woman he met at a resort. She is drawn to him because she desires to save him. She feels pity for seeing Luzhin so abandon. His old chess coach left him to his fate when he saw that Luzhin could not deliver. If you think about it, the Luzhin defense, is the real world defense that Luzhin created to protect himself from the cruelties of society. It is really quite the depressing sight. What's interesting is that he comes up with his own original moves. The Luzhin Defense is Luzhin's original move.

 I really did like this book a lot. It was a bit cruel and unusual. They made a movie of this book. However, they edit out most the beginning and bit off the middle. Plus, Luzhin was fat in the book. The ending was quite lovely. We get to see the Luzhin defense in action. He gave up a rook to checkmate the white with his bishop. I know that most do not get too exited about chess. However, this is a love story as well. In any case, both the book and the movie are 5 star rating. I could tell you everything ,but I want you to read the book or watch the movie.