was written between 1966 and 1968, when Nabokov's literary reputation was at its height. In the aftermath of
Lolita, Nabokov was in great demand. Publishers, translators, biographers, critics and journalists sought him out in Montreux, Switzerland, where he had moved in 1961, and
Adawas completed while Nabokov was frenetically multitasking (with the help of his wife) in response to this welcome, though at times irritating, onslaught.
Published in 1969, Ada is Nabokov's longest and most ambitious novel. Reviewers initially responded with great enthusiasm, and the novel reached number four on the New York Times best-seller list, where it remained for weeks. Soon, however, the unanimous excitement gave way to hostility from a number of critics, including some
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Citation: Collins, Emily. "Ada or Ardor: A Family Chronicle". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 09 June 2006 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=6854, accessed 23 November 2024.]
