Véra Nabokov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Véra Nabokova
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| Вера Евсеевна Набокова | |
Véra and Vladimir Nabokov, Montreux, 1969
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| Born |
Vera Yevseyevna Slonim
5 January 1902 |
| Died | 7 April 1991 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Editor, translator |
| Spouse(s) | Vladimir Nabokov |
| Children | Dmitri Nabokov |
Véra Nabokova (Russian: Ве́ра Евсе́евна Набо́кова; 5 January 1902 – 7 April 1991) was a very important person in the life and work of the famous Russian writer Vladimir Nabokov. She was his wife, his editor, and his translator. Many people believe she was a big inspiration for his books.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Véra Yevseyevna Slonim was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on January 5, 1902. Her family was Jewish and well-educated. She grew up in a time of big changes in Russia.
When the Russian Revolution happened, her family had to leave their home. They moved to Berlin, Germany, in 1920. Véra continued her education there. She studied law and languages. She was very good at learning different languages.
Meeting Vladimir Nabokov
Véra met Vladimir Nabokov in Berlin in 1923. He was also a Russian writer living in exile. They met at a charity ball. They started writing letters to each other. Their letters were often about poetry and literature.
They fell in love and got married in 1925. Their son, Dmitri Nabokov, was born in 1934. He later became an opera singer and also helped with his father's works.
Her Role in His Work
Véra Nabokova was much more than just a wife. She was Vladimir Nabokov's closest helper and partner. She helped him with almost every part of his writing.
Editor and Typist
Véra read everything Vladimir wrote. She would check his stories and novels very carefully. She looked for mistakes and suggested improvements. She was his first and most important editor.
She also typed many of his manuscripts. Vladimir often wrote his books by hand. Véra would then type them out. This was a huge job, especially for long novels. She made sure his words were clear and ready for publishing.
Translator and Manager
Véra was also a talented translator. She helped Vladimir translate his Russian books into English. This was important because it allowed his stories to reach more readers around the world. She also translated some of his English works into Russian.
She managed many of his business matters. She handled his letters, contracts, and dealings with publishers. This allowed Vladimir to focus mostly on his writing. She was like his personal assistant and agent.
Inspiration and Support
Vladimir Nabokov often said that Véra was his muse. A muse is someone who inspires an artist. She was his constant companion and supporter. She encouraged him and believed in his talent, even when things were difficult.
She even protected his work. Once, Vladimir tried to burn an early version of his famous novel Lolita. Véra stopped him and saved the manuscript. This shows how much she valued his writing.
Life in Different Countries
The Nabokovs lived in many different countries. After Germany, they moved to France in the late 1930s. They had to leave Europe because of the rise of Nazi Germany and World War II.
In 1940, they moved to the United States. Vladimir taught at universities there. Véra continued to support his work. They lived in America for many years.
In 1961, they moved to Montreux, Switzerland. They lived there for the rest of their lives. Véra continued to work with Vladimir until his death in 1977.
Later Life and Legacy
After Vladimir Nabokov died, Véra continued to protect and promote his literary legacy. She made sure his books were published correctly. She also helped publish some of his unfinished works and letters.
Véra Nabokova passed away on April 7, 1991, in Vevey, Switzerland. She was 89 years old. She is buried next to Vladimir Nabokov. Her life shows the incredible importance of a partner's support in a writer's career.
Images for kids
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The grave of the Nabokovs at Cimetière de Clarens (Switzerland)
See also
In Spanish: Vera Nabókova para niños
