I don't know how many of you have been following this controversy, but I've just heard bits and pieces around the blogging world. Nabokov had left instructions for his last manuscript to be burned upon his death. For years, his son had been trying to decide whether to follow his father's wishes or to publish the manuscript. After much debate, it looks like he's decided to publish it after all. I guess I can see both sides of this debate, but I think I would have had to respect my father's wishes -- well sort of. I don't think I could have burned the manuscript, but I wouldn't publish it either. I would have kept it in the family. Of course, I know after my death, someone could still decide to publish it. So, I don't guess there are any easy answers. But, I do know that there are many who will be anxious to check it out as soon as this book hits the store shelves.
6 comments:
I was sort of on the fence about this issue since I too can see both sides. But, at the end of the day, I'm definitely one of those people that wants to snag a copy the moment it hits shelves. I can't help myself!
andi, yeah I know what you mean. I'll probably get a copy myself. But, I guess I was just trying to put myself in that position. It's hard to know what you'd do, I guess.
It's a complicated issue. As a common person who loves books, I'd be inclined to want it published. As a daughter, however, I'd have to respect my father's wishes to feel at peace.
nymeth, that's pretty much how I feel about it. As I said, I'll probably read it. Does that make me a hypocrite?
I think it's ok that the manuscript is going to be published. If Nabokov really and truly wanted it destroyed he should have done it himself instead of leaving it locked up and asking someone else to do it after he died. That makes me sound like a horrid person, doesn't it? But if I were an author and I didn't want something published I think I'd make sure it couldn't be published and burn it or shred it or something before I died.
stefanie, no, that does not make you sound like a horrid person. I think you're right. He should have done it himself and not left it up to his son. I wouldn't want to be in that position.
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