Nabokov's "Speak, Memory"

"Speak, Memory" is Vladimir Nabokov’s autobiographical memoir that explores his early life, family, and the beauty of his childhood in Russia and Europe. It reflects on how his experiences, treasured objects, and language shaped his identity and artistic sensibilities. Through lyrical prose and vivid memories, Nabokov examines themes of nostalgia, loss, and the power of memory to preserve beauty. The work is an elegant meditation on personal history and the interplay between memory and imagination, illustrating how the past influences understanding of oneself and the world.