Véra Nabokova facts for kids
Véra Nabokova (born Vera Slonim) was a very important person in the life and work of the famous Russian writer Vladimir Nabokov. She was his wife, his editor, and helped translate his books. Many of his stories and characters were inspired by her. She was born on January 5, 1902, and passed away on April 7, 1991.
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) Vevey, Switzerland
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| Occupation | Editor, translator |
| Spouse(s) | Vladimir Nabokov |
| Children | Dmitri Nabokov |
Contents
Véra's Early Life and Moving to Berlin
Véra Yevseyevna Slonim was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. She was one of three daughters in her family. Her father, Yevsey Slonim, was a lawyer and a successful businessman.
Because of big changes in Russia, like World War I and the Russian Revolution, her family had to leave their home. They traveled through many cities, including Moscow, Kiev, and Istanbul. Finally, they settled in Berlin, Germany. Many other Russian families had also moved to Berlin at that time.
Meeting Vladimir Nabokov
In Berlin, Véra's father helped start a publishing company called Orbis. Véra worked there. It was at this office that Vladimir Nabokov met Véra's father. They even played chess together!
Véra already admired Vladimir's poems. His writings were well-known among Russians who had moved away from their home country. She often went to his poetry readings.
The exact moment Véra and Vladimir first met is a bit of a mystery. Vladimir said it was at a charity ball, but Véra disagreed. Later, they had a long talk by a canal. Véra wore a mask and recited some of Vladimir's poems. At that time, he used the pen name "Vladimir Sirin."
Marriage and Family Life
Véra and Vladimir got married on April 15, 1925. Véra decided to stop her own writing career to help her husband. She became his critic, reader, and typist. She also worked as a secretary and translator to support their family.
Their son, Dmitri Nabokov, was born on May 10, 1934.
Moving to the United States
In 1940, the Nabokov family moved to the United States. Véra learned to drive there. She often drove her husband on trips, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where he liked to hunt butterflies. She even carried a handgun to protect him.
Vladimir Nabokov relied on Véra for his work. He said he "would have been nowhere without her." When he gave lectures, she would sit nearby. She was his inspiration, his editor, and the first person to read his new books. All of his books are dedicated to her. She even saved his famous book Lolita from being burned more than once!
Later Years and Legacy
In 1960, Véra and Vladimir moved back to Europe. They lived at the Montreux Palace Hotel. Véra continued to manage her husband's work and affairs.
After Vladimir passed away in 1977, Véra took care of his estate. Vladimir had asked for his last work, The Original of Laura, to be burned. But Véra and Dmitri could not bring themselves to destroy it. It was finally published in 2009. In her late 80s, Véra even translated Vladimir's book Pale Fire into Russian.
Véra stayed at the Montreux Palace Hotel until 1990. She passed away the next year in Vevey, Switzerland. She was buried next to her husband in the cemetery in Clarens. Their son Dmitri, who died in 2012, is also buried there.
See also
In Spanish: Vera Nabókova para niños
- Visiting Mrs Nabokov
