50 pages • 1 hour read
Invitation to a Beheading
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
European City • Indeterminate Era
1935
Vintage Books
Adult
18+ years
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.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Unnerving
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
18,530 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
18,530 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
M’sieur Pierre
M’sieur Pierre
Initially presented as a fellow prisoner, he becomes intertwined with Cincinnatus's fate, adding layers of complexity to the dynamics within the prison.
Rodrig Ivanovic
Rodrig Ivanovic
The flamboyant prison director who oversees Cincinnatus’s confinement, he takes pleasure in the absurdities of his role and is captivated by the execution process.
Marthe
Marthe
Cincinnatus’s wife, whose actions and attitudes toward marriage and societal norms present a contrast to her husband’s predicament and perceptions.
Invitation to a Beheading was originally published in Russian in 1936 under the title "Priglashenie na kazn'" and was one of the last novels Nabokov wrote in his native language before switching to English.
The novel was inspired by and shares thematic similarities with works by Franz Kafka, particularly The Trial, due to its focus on absurdity and surrealism.
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Nabokov himself translated Invitation to a Beheading into English with the assistance of his son, Dmitri Nabokov, highlighting his meticulous attention to language and detail.
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240
Novel • Fiction
European City • Indeterminate Era
1935
Vintage Books
Adult
18+ years
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