Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Dark, Cynical, Chilling, Ironic, Tragic
- Read it if
- You enjoy dark, satirical literary fiction about human folly, obsession, and betrayal, with a focus on psychological manipulation and tragic downfall.
- Skip it if
- You prefer optimistic stories, clear-cut heroes, or dislike narratives where characters are relentlessly exploited and suffer without redemption.
Laughter in the Dark Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Albinus's Comfortable Life and Initial Infatuation
Albinus, a wealthy art critic in Berlin, enjoys a quiet life with his wife, Elisabeth, and their young daughter, Irma. Despite his success, he feels a subtle emptiness. One evening, at a cinema, Albinus sees Margot Peters, a seventeen-year-old usherette and aspiring film actress. Her youthful beauty and a certain vulgar charm immediately captivate him. He begins to seek her out, first by offering acting advice, but his interest quickly becomes a full infatuation. Margot, though wary, is flattered by the attention and the chance for money and career advancement.
The Affair Begins and Elisabeth's Discovery
Albinus, increasingly obsessed with Margot, arranges their first intimate meetings, giving her gifts and promises. He feels refreshed by her presence, mistaking her calculated interest for real affection. The affair remains a secret for a short time, but Elisabeth, a perceptive wife, gradually learns of her husband's infidelity. Tension at home grows, leading to a painful confrontation where Albinus, despite his guilt, cannot deny his feelings for Margot. Elisabeth is devastated by the betrayal, and their stable family unit begins to break down because of Albinus's self-indulgence.
Albinus Abandons His Family
Driven by his intense infatuation and Margot's charm, Albinus decides to leave his family. He tells Elisabeth he plans to live with Margot, causing great pain, especially for their young daughter, Irma. Albinus, blinded by passion, convinces himself he is pursuing genuine happiness and a more authentic life with Margot. He starts a new life with her, moving into an apartment where they can live openly. He provides for Margot lavishly, believing her affection is a direct result of his generosity and devotion, unaware of her true mercenary nature.
Axel Rex Enters the Scene
While living with Albinus, Margot unexpectedly meets Axel Rex, a cynical commercial artist with whom she had a previous affair. Rex, a master of deception, immediately recognizes the opportunity Albinus's wealth and Margot's ambition present. He begins to visit Margot, initially as an old friend, but quickly establishes a more intimate connection. Albinus, despite his possessiveness, is unaware of their true relationship, seeing Rex as merely an eccentric acquaintance Margot sometimes entertains. Rex's presence brings a dark, calculating element into Albinus's idyllic, though deluded, new life.
The Deception Intensifies
As Rex becomes a more frequent presence, he and Margot begin to openly conspire, mocking Albinus behind his back and often to his face, though he remains completely unaware. They devise schemes to get money from him, exploiting his generosity and his unwavering belief in Margot's love. Rex, in particular, enjoys the psychological torment he inflicts, seeing Albinus as a naive fool ready for exploitation. Albinus, blinded by infatuation and a deep lack of self-awareness, misinterprets their laughter and whispered conversations as innocent fun or harmless jokes, further cementing his role as their unwitting victim.
The Road Trip and the Accident
Margot, bored with their current living situation and eager for new experiences, suggests a road trip through Europe. Albinus, eager to please her, agrees, and Axel Rex, always an opportunist, insists on joining them. During the journey, the dynamic between Margot and Rex becomes increasingly bold, their flirtation and connivance open secrets to everyone but Albinus. One fateful night, while Albinus is driving, a sudden swerve to avoid a collision, possibly caused or worsened by Rex's distraction, leads to a severe car accident. Albinus suffers grievous injuries, the most devastating of which is total and irreversible blindness.
Albinus's Blindness and Increased Vulnerability
The accident leaves Albinus utterly dependent, his world dark. Margot and Axel Rex, far from offering comfort, see his blindness as an even greater chance for their malicious games. They move into a remote country house, where they continue their affair openly, often within earshot of the sightless Albinus. They exploit his vulnerability, manipulating him into believing that Margot is his only source of comfort. Rex particularly enjoys the power he now holds over Albinus, orchestrating deceptions that further isolate and humiliate his victim, turning his blindness into a perverse show for their amusement.
The Cruel Charade
In their secluded country retreat, Margot and Rex increase their torment of Albinus. Rex, using his acting skills, often impersonates different voices and characters, pretending to be servants, doctors, or even strangers, all to amuse himself and Margot while further disorienting Albinus. He also impersonates Margot, whispering sweet nothings into Albinus's ear, while the real Margot is either absent or with Rex. This elaborate charade deepens Albinus's isolation and paranoia, as he struggles to tell reality from his tormentors' fabrications, making him question his sanity and the loyalty of the woman he loves.
The Arrival of the Old Nanny
Albinus's old nanny, an elderly and devoted woman, arrives at the country house to care for him. Her presence brings a small ray of hope for Albinus, and she witnesses the cruel charade. Though initially unaware of the full deception, her instincts and observations begin to piece together the truth. She notices the strange dynamics, the whispered jokes, and the peculiar way Margot and Rex interact. Her growing suspicion eventually leads her to accidentally expose Margot and Rex's affair and their malicious games to Albinus, shattering his last illusions.
Albinus Discovers the Truth
One day, Albinus, guided by his heightened hearing, overhears Margot and Rex in an intimate moment and a conversation that reveals the full, horrifying truth of their deception. He realizes that Margot has been unfaithful since the beginning, that Rex has been her accomplice and lover, and that his blindness has only intensified their cruel game. The realization shatters his world, replacing his blind devotion with a burning rage and deep despair. The love he felt for Margot turns into an overwhelming sense of betrayal and humiliation, leaving him broken.
The Confrontation and Albinus's Death
Blinded by fury and despair, Albinus confronts Margot. In a fit of rage, he grabs a gun Rex had carelessly left nearby. A struggle ensues between Albinus and Margot, a desperate, fumbling fight in the dark. In the chaos, the gun accidentally fires, fatally wounding Albinus. His death is a tragic and ironic end to a life that began with comfort and respect, ultimately destroyed by his own folly and the calculated cruelty of others. Margot, now free but stained with blood, faces the consequences, while Axel Rex, the instigator of much of the torment, escapes justice.
Principal Figures
Albinus
Protagonist
A wealthy, middle-aged art critic who abandons his family for a young mistress.
Albinus is a respectable, well-to-do art critic who, despite his outwardly comfortable life, yearns for something more passionate and exciting. He is depicted as somewhat naive and easily manipulated, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. His infatuation with Margot blinds him to her true nature and the malicious intentions of Axel Rex. He possesses a certain intellectual vanity but lacks emotional intelligence and self-awareness, making him an ideal victim for the cunning duo. His journey is one of self-destruction, driven by desire and folly.
Relationships: Elisabeth (Wife, later abandoned); Irma (Daughter, later abandoned); Margot Peters (Mistress, later his tormentor and killer); Axel Rex (Margot's lover and his primary tormentor)
Margot Peters
Antagonist
A beautiful, manipulative, and mercenary young woman who becomes Albinus's mistress.
Margot is a seventeen-year-old usherette and aspiring film actress, characterized by her youthful beauty, vulgar charm, and ruthless ambition. She is cunning and manipulative, seeing Albinus primarily as a means to achieve wealth and a more glamorous life. She lacks empathy and is driven by self-interest and a desire for luxury. Her relationship with Albinus is a calculated performance, and she readily participates in his torment with Axel Rex, finding amusement in his suffering. She represents a destructive, amoral force.
Relationships: Albinus (Lover/victim); Axel Rex (Lover/accomplice)
Axel Rex
Antagonist
A cynical and sadistic commercial artist who becomes Margot's lover and Albinus's primary tormentor.
Axel Rex is a highly intelligent, cynical, and utterly amoral commercial artist. He is a master of deception and psychological manipulation, deriving immense pleasure from the suffering of others. He views human folly as a source of entertainment and Albinus as his ultimate plaything. Rex is the architect of much of Albinus's torment, orchestrating elaborate charades and reveling in his victim's blindness and dependence. He embodies pure, unadulterated malice, acting as the catalyst for Albinus's complete downfall.
Relationships: Margot Peters (Lover/accomplice); Albinus (Victim/object of torment)
Elisabeth
Supporting
Albinus's devoted and perceptive wife, who is abandoned for Margot.
Elisabeth is depicted as a loving, intelligent, and dignified woman. She represents the stability and genuine affection that Albinus abandons. Her character highlights Albinus's foolishness and the depth of his betrayal. She is initially heartbroken by his infidelity but maintains her composure and cares for their daughter. Her pain and quiet suffering contrast sharply with Albinus's self-absorbed pursuit of Margot.
Relationships: Albinus (Wife, later estranged); Irma (Daughter)
Irma
Supporting
Albinus and Elisabeth's young daughter, a victim of her father's abandonment.
Irma is Albinus and Elisabeth's young daughter, a symbol of the innocent life Albinus carelessly discards. Her presence underscores the profound impact of Albinus's actions beyond his own immediate desires. She is a silent victim of her father's self-indulgence, experiencing the pain and disruption of her parents' separation. Her character serves to emphasize the moral vacuum in Albinus's choices.
The Old Nanny
Supporting
Albinus's loyal former nanny who inadvertently exposes Margot and Rex's deceit.
The old nanny is a minor but crucial character, embodying loyalty and common sense. She arrives to care for the blinded Albinus and, despite her age, possesses a keen intuition. Her observations of Margot and Rex's behavior lead her to suspect foul play, and her accidental revelation of their charade finally opens Albinus's eyes to the truth. She represents a connection to Albinus's former life of decency and care, contrasting with the cruelty of his present circumstances.
Relationships: Albinus (Former caregiver/loyal attendant)
Themes & Insights
The Perils of Infatuation and Self-Delusion
The novel shows how Albinus's overwhelming infatuation with Margot blinds him to her true nature and Rex's malicious intentions. He consistently misinterprets their actions, seeing affection where there is manipulation, and innocence where there is calculated cruelty. His self-delusion is so deep that even after his blindness, he continues to believe in Margot's love, making him vulnerable to their torment. This theme highlights how desire can corrupt judgment and lead to self-destruction, as seen when Albinus leaves his stable life for a fantasy.
“Once upon a time there lived in Berlin, Germany, a man called Albinus. He was rich, respectable, happy; one day he abandoned his wife for the sake of a youthful mistress; he loved; was not loved; and his life ended in disaster.”
Cruelty and Malice as Entertainment
A central theme is the exploration of cruelty, particularly how Axel Rex and Margot find sadistic pleasure in tormenting Albinus. Rex, in particular, treats Albinus's suffering as elaborate entertainment, a psychological game. His impersonations and the deceptions orchestrated with Margot show a deep lack of empathy and a delight in human vulnerability. This theme is most clear after Albinus's blindness, where his helplessness becomes the perfect stage for their elaborate and vicious charade.
“He had always been fascinated by the spectacle of human suffering, provided it was not his own.”
Appearance vs. Reality
The novel constantly plays with the difference between what appears true and what actually is. Albinus sees Margot as a loving, innocent muse, while she is a cynical opportunist. He sees Axel Rex as an eccentric friend, unaware of his true role as a conniving tormentor. His eventual blindness ironically heightens this theme, as his physical inability to see forces him to rely entirely on auditory and sensory cues, making him even more susceptible to the deceptions woven by Margot and Rex. The climax, where Albinus finally 'sees' the truth despite his blindness, powerfully underscores this theme.
“He was like a collector of engravings who has lost his sight, and still continues to purchase engravings, trusting to others to describe their quality and authenticity.”
The Artist as a Manipulator
Axel Rex, a commercial artist, embodies the idea of the artist as a manipulator of reality and human perception. His 'art' is not about creation but about deception and the orchestration of suffering. He uses his theatrical skills, his ability to mimic voices and create scenarios, to build a false reality around Albinus. This theme suggests a darker side of artistic talent, where creativity can be twisted into a tool for control and malice, blurring the lines between performance and real interaction. Margot, as an aspiring actress, also takes part in this manipulation through her performance of affection.
“He was a born stage manager of other people's lives.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Foreshadowing
Early hints and an explicit summary of the tragic end.
Nabokov employs extensive foreshadowing, most notably by explicitly stating the entire plot in the novel's opening paragraph. This unusual device immediately informs the reader of Albinus's ultimate fate, shifting the narrative focus from 'what happens' to 'how it happens.' Subtle hints, such as Albinus's initial unsettling attraction to Margot's vulgarity or Rex's early cynical remarks, also pepper the text, preparing the reader for the unfolding tragedy and emphasizing Albinus's inevitable downfall.
Ironic Narration
A detached, omniscient narrator who frequently comments on characters' folly.
The novel is told by a detached, omniscient narrator who often interjects with ironic commentary on Albinus's naivety and the cruelty of Margot and Rex. This narrative voice creates a sense of tragic inevitability and moral judgment, preventing the reader from fully sympathizing with Albinus's self-inflicted misery while simultaneously highlighting the profound malice of his tormentors. The irony underscores the gap between Albinus's perceptions and the brutal reality, enhancing the dark humor and chilling atmosphere.
Blindness (Literal and Metaphorical)
Albinus's physical blindness symbolizing his earlier emotional and intellectual blindness.
Albinus's literal blindness, resulting from the car accident, serves as a powerful symbol of his earlier metaphorical blindness. Before the accident, he was blind to Margot's true mercenary nature and Axel Rex's malevolence, choosing instead to see what he wanted to see. His physical darkness ironically deepens his metaphorical blindness, as it makes him completely dependent on his tormentors and even more susceptible to their deceptions. The moment he finally 'sees' the truth, despite his physical blindness, is the climax of this device.
Theatricality and Performance
Characters' actions as calculated performances, particularly Axel Rex's impersonations.
The novel heavily utilizes the concept of theatricality, with characters often 'performing' roles. Margot, as an aspiring actress, constantly acts out the part of the loving mistress. More significantly, Axel Rex, with his talent for mimicry and deception, stages elaborate 'performances' for Albinus, impersonating various individuals and even Margot herself. This device blurs the line between reality and illusion, highlighting the manipulative nature of the antagonists and the extent to which Albinus is made a spectator and victim in their cruel play.
Laughter in the Dark Quotes
“For the artist, of course, the only thing that really matters is the sensation of the rub, the thrill of the contact.”
“Life is a great surprise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one.”
“He was, in fact, an amateur of genius, an expert in the art of loving, an artist of life.”
“The only way to be happy is to love to suffer.”
“The world is full of ghosts, and if you're not careful, they'll drag you down.”
“Everything was preordained, everything was part of a meticulously planned plot, and he, Albinus, was merely a puppet in this play.”
“He had always been a connoisseur of beauty, but now he was a connoisseur of pain.”
“Laughter in the dark is a terrible thing, a sign of madness, of utter despair.”
“Her eyes, he thought, were like two small pieces of sky, incredibly blue, incredibly empty.”
“There are two kinds of people: those who like to watch, and those who like to be watched.”
“He was blind, not only in his eyes, but in his soul.”
“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”
“He had lost everything, but he had gained something: the knowledge that nothing truly belonged to him.”
“Love, like a carefully planned ambush, can strike when least expected and leave one utterly helpless.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Albinus's profession at the beginning of the novel?
- A silent film director
- A painter
- An art critic
- A novelist
Show answer
C. An art critic Albinus is introduced as an art critic who is 'rich, respectable, happy' before his life takes a disastrous turn.
Question 2
What is the name of Albinus's youthful mistress?
- Margot
- Magda
- Marthe
- Monika
Show answer
C. Marthe Albinus abandons his wife for Marthe, his youthful mistress, who ultimately contributes to his downfall.
Question 3
Who is Axel Rex in relation to Marthe and Albinus?
- Marthe's distant cousin
- A former colleague of Albinus
- Marthe's former lover and co-conspirator
- A doctor who treats Albinus
Show answer
C. Marthe's former lover and co-conspirator Axel Rex is Marthe's former lover who becomes a key figure in the scheme to manipulate and ruin Albinus.
Question 4
What significant physical disability does Albinus suffer as a result of an accident during the novel?
- Deafness
- Loss of speech
- Blindness
- Paralysis
Show answer
C. Blindness Albinus becomes blind after a car accident, a cruel twist that allows Marthe and Axel Rex to openly mock and deceive him.
Question 5
What is the primary motivation behind Axel Rex's actions towards Albinus?
- To gain Albinus's wealth
- A genuine desire for Marthe's happiness
- A sadistic pleasure in the downfall and humiliation of others
- Revenge for a past slight by Albinus
Show answer
C. A sadistic pleasure in the downfall and humiliation of others The synopsis explicitly states Axel Rex 'finds his greatest joy in the downfall of others,' highlighting his sadistic nature.
Question 6
In what city is the majority of the novel set?
- Paris, France
- London, England
- Berlin, Germany
- Vienna, Austria
Show answer
C. Berlin, Germany The opening sentence of the novel, quoted in the blurb, states: 'Once upon a time there lived in Berlin, Germany, a man called Albinus.'
Question 7
What artistic medium does Marthe initially aspire to work in, drawing Albinus's attention?
- Painting
- Acting in silent films
- Sculpture
- Writing poetry
Show answer
B. Acting in silent films Marthe is a young woman with aspirations of becoming a silent film actress, which is how she first encounters Albinus, an art critic.
Question 8
The original Russian title of 'Laughter in the Dark' was 'Kamera Obskura'. What does this title directly translate to, and what thematic significance does it hold?
- Dark Room; signifying hidden secrets
- Camera Obscura; representing illusion, deception, and a distorted view of reality
- Black Box; symbolizing an unknown fate
- Blind Spot; indicating Albinus's ignorance
Show answer
B. Camera Obscura; representing illusion, deception, and a distorted view of reality 'Kamera Obskura' translates to 'Camera Obscura,' a device that projects an image, often inverted or distorted. This perfectly reflects the themes of illusion, misperception, and Albinus's inability to see the truth of his situation, especially after he becomes literally blind.
Question 9
How does Albinus's relationship with his wife, Elisabeth, change throughout the novel as he becomes involved with Marthe?
- He initially leaves her, but they reconcile after his accident.
- He remains married to her but secretly keeps Marthe as a mistress.
- He abandons her for Marthe, leading to their permanent separation and her subsequent decline.
- Elisabeth leaves Albinus first, prompting his affair with Marthe.
Show answer
C. He abandons her for Marthe, leading to their permanent separation and her subsequent decline. The opening summary states, 'one day he abandoned his wife for the sake of a youthful mistress,' indicating a complete break.
Question 10
What is the ultimate fate of Albinus at the end of the novel?
- He commits suicide out of despair.
- He is murdered by Axel Rex.
- He dies from a heart attack, alone and deceived.
- He is accidentally shot by Marthe after discovering her and Rex, leading to his death.
Show answer
D. He is accidentally shot by Marthe after discovering her and Rex, leading to his death. In a climactic scene, Albinus, blind, discovers Marthe and Rex together and is accidentally shot by Marthe with a pistol that Rex had given her, leading to his death.
Laughter in the Dark FAQ
What is the central premise of 'Laughter in the Dark'?
'Laughter in the Dark' follows Albinus, a wealthy art critic in Weimar-era Berlin, who abandons his wife and daughter for the much younger aspiring model, Margot. His infatuation leads him down a path of increasing folly and eventual ruin, manipulated by Margot and her former lover, the artist Axel Rex.
Who are the main characters and what are their primary roles in the narrative?
The main characters are Albinus, the aging and infatuated protagonist; Margot Peters, his young, manipulative mistress; and Axel Rex, a cynical and cruel artist who conspires with Margot. Elizabeth, Albinus's abandoned wife, and Irma, their daughter, also play significant, though less central, roles in highlighting Albinus's moral decline.
How does Nabokov's opening statement, 'This, in a nutshell, is the whole story...', set the tone for the novel?
The opening statement immediately establishes a sense of predestination and tragic irony, informing the reader of Albinus's ultimate downfall. It suggests that the 'how' and 'why' of the disaster, rather than the 'what,' are the true focus, inviting a detached, almost clinical observation of the characters' actions and their consequences.
What is the significance of the title 'Laughter in the Dark'?
The title refers to the cruel amusement Axel Rex and Margot derive from Albinus's suffering, particularly after his blindness. It also alludes to the 'darkness' of Albinus's physical state and his moral blindness, while the 'laughter' underscores the malicious, almost theatrical nature of his tormentors' actions.
How does Nabokov use the motif of cinema and illusion throughout the novel?
Cinema is a pervasive motif, with Margot aspiring to be a film star and Albinus initially working as a film critic. Nabokov uses film imagery to highlight the artificiality and staged nature of Albinus's life with Margot, suggesting his reality is a projection, easily manipulated and ultimately shattered like a film reel.
What is the nature of the relationship between Margot and Axel Rex?
Margot and Axel Rex share a deeply cynical and predatory relationship, rooted in a mutual understanding of human weakness and a shared delight in cruelty. They are former lovers who rekindle their affair while conspiring to exploit and torment Albinus, demonstrating a chillingly effective partnership in malice.
How does Albinus's blindness function as a symbolic element in the story?
Albinus's physical blindness, caused by the car accident, starkly symbolizes his earlier moral and emotional blindness. He was willfully blind to Margot's true nature and Axel Rex's manipulations, and his physical darkness forces him to confront the auditory and tactile reality of his betrayal, though often too late.
What role does Albinus's daughter, Irma, play in the narrative?
Irma represents Albinus's abandoned innocence and the moral consequences of his actions. Her brief, tragic return to the narrative, particularly when she attempts to reconcile with him, serves to highlight the depth of his self-absorption and the irreparable damage he has inflicted on his family.
Discuss the psychological motivations behind Axel Rex's cruelty.
Axel Rex's cruelty appears to stem from a profound nihilism and an aesthetic appreciation for human suffering and manipulation. He finds artistic satisfaction in orchestrating Albinus's downfall, viewing it as a grand performance or a work of art, driven by a desire for control and a contempt for conventional morality.
How does Nabokov use irony to convey his themes in 'Laughter in the Dark'?
Nabokov employs pervasive irony, particularly dramatic irony, as the reader is often aware of Margot and Axel Rex's schemes long before Albinus. This creates a sense of tragic inevitability and underscores Albinus's naivety, transforming his story into a darkly comedic spectacle of human folly.
What is the significance of the setting in Weimar-era Berlin?
The Weimar-era Berlin setting, with its decadent atmosphere, burgeoning film industry, and moral relativism, provides a fitting backdrop for the story's themes of illusion, moral decay, and artistic pretension. It mirrors the instability and superficiality that characterize Albinus's relationship with Margot and the broader societal shifts.
How does Albinus's profession as an art critic inform his character and fate?
Albinus's profession as an art critic ironically highlights his inability to discern true value or beauty in his own life. He can analyze art but fails to 'read' the deceitful intentions of Margot and Axel Rex, demonstrating a critical blindness that extends beyond the aesthetic realm into his personal judgment.
Is Margot a purely evil character, or are there nuances to her portrayal?
While Margot is undeniably manipulative and cruel, Nabokov offers glimpses into her past poverty and ambition, suggesting a drive for security and status that fuels her actions. However, her capacity for malice and her enjoyment of Albinus's suffering ultimately position her as a deeply unsympathetic, almost purely destructive, force.
How does the novel explore the theme of artistic creation versus destruction?
The novel contrasts Albinus's critical (and somewhat sterile) engagement with art with Axel Rex's 'creative' destruction of Albinus's life. Rex's machinations are presented as a perverse form of artistic endeavor, where human lives become his medium, blurring the lines between creation, manipulation, and utter ruin.
What is the ultimate message or warning conveyed by 'Laughter in the Dark'?
'Laughter in the Dark' serves as a chilling cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked infatuation, moral blindness, and the destructive power of human cruelty. It suggests that self-deception and a failure to recognize the true nature of others can lead to utter devastation, often for the amusement of those who prey on vulnerability.
How does Nabokov's revision of the novel in 1960 from its Russian original 'Kamera Obskura' impact the English version?
Nabokov's 1960 revision for the English translation, 'Laughter in the Dark,' was extensive, with the author stating he 're-English'd' it. This involved significant stylistic changes, making the prose more characteristically Nabokovian with its intricate wordplay and heightened irony, enhancing the novel's dark humor and psychological depth beyond the earlier, more straightforward English translation.
About the author
Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov, also known by the pen name Vladimir Sirin, was an expatriate Russian and Russian-American novelist, poet, translator, and entomologist. Born in Imperial Russia in 1899, Nabokov wrote his first nine novels in Russian (1926–1938) while living in Berlin, where he met his wife. He achieved international acclaim and prominence after moving to the United States, where he began writing in English. Nabokov became an American citizen in 1945 and lived mostly on the East Coast before returning to Europe in 1961, where he settled in Montreux, Switzerland.
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