50 pages 1 hour read

Vladimir Nabokov

Invitation to a Beheading

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1935

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Invitation to a Beheading follows Cincinnatus C., who is imprisoned for the absurd crime of "gnostical turpitude." While awaiting execution in an unnamed country, he grapples with the surreal nature of his reality, his desire for knowledge, and the oppressive figures who control his fate. The narrative delves into themes of existentialism and the conflict between individualism and totalitarianism. This book contains depictions of imprisonment and execution.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Vladimir Nabokov’s Invitation to a Beheading is lauded for its intricate prose, surreal narrative, and potent themes of freedom and absurdity. Readers praise its imaginative style, though some find the plot disorienting and opaque. Overall, it is recognized as a challenging but rewarding read, showcasing Nabokov's literary prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Invitation to a Beheading?

Readers who enjoy absurdist, philosophical novels with themes of alienation and satire would relish Invitation to a Beheading. Admirers of Franz Kafka's The Trial and Albert Camus's The Stranger will appreciate Nabokov's layered, metaphorical storytelling and exploration of existential despair.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Russian Literature

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Period

Absurdism

Modernism

Themes

Natural World: Appearance & Reality

Society: Nation

Society: Politics & Government

Topics

History: World