Orange alert as rain leaves Gurugram waterlogged; disrupts traffic The Sector 52A market was among the most affected areas, with visuals showing commuters wading through knee-deep water Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:14:38 IST By Sampurna Panigrahi, Mihika Shah
‘Buy buy buy!’: Foreign tourist reacts to duty-free shopping after Delhi immigration A foreign tourist has posted a video of his Delhi airport experience, questioning the shopping pitches he encountered just after immigration. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
India security chief visits China for border talks India security chief visits China for border talks Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:38 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border
Twenty-one former international cricket captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar, on Sunday urged Pakistan to ensure that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is examined by a medical board, as directed by the country’s Supreme Court, The Hindu reported
A 25-year-old entrepreneur with a net worth of around ₹4.35 crore has turned to Reddit for advice after a sharp decline in the business that helped him build his fortune. Despite his wealth, he says he is now unsure about what to do next and feels “completely lost
Not a chief guests, celebrity or VIP, but a humanoid robot stole the spotlight at a sandwich shop inauguration. A video from the celebratory event has gone viral, where the robot was seen arriving at the venue with bodyguards. It then proceeded to greet guests and even broke into a dance
‘Jo bhi hai, tera ghar hai’: American compares Indian and US hospitality An American Hindi speaker’s take on Indian hospitality has viewers discussing the differences between socialising in India and the US. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:31:09 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share
Manipur: 1 CRPF personnel injured, 2 houses burnt by unknown armed individuals The gunfight broke out after two houses belonging to separate communities were set ablaze by an unidentified group of people Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:49:38 IST By Thomas Ngangom
Understanding Jeffrey Epstein's fixation with Nabokov's novel
Epstein cherished 'Lolita', kept it next to his bed – understanding sex-offender's fixation with Nabokov's novel
Jeffery Epstein Files: The posthumous revelations emerging from the latest tranche of materials linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have reopened one of the most disturbing cultural questions surrounding the disgraced financier: his fixation on Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov's canonical novel about obsession, manipulation and sexual abuse.
Released as part of a recent document and image disclosure by House Democrats, the material includes photographs that appear to show passages from Lolita handwritten on a woman's body — a discovery that has unsettled readers for the way it reframes Jeffrey Epstein's long-advertised admiration for the book.
The images, the circumstances of which remain unclear, deepen the scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein's self-fashioned identity as a cultivated reader — and raise troubling questions about how great literature can be misappropriated by those it condemns.
Who was Jeffrey Epstein — and why does Lolita matter here?
Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges involving minors, was known to project an image of intellectual sophistication. Among the cultural artefacts he appeared most keen to associate himself with was Lolita, first published in 1955 by Vladimir Nabokov.
The novel, Lolita, written from the perspective of Humbert Humbert — a predatory and unreliable narrator who kidnaps and rapes a 12-year-old girl — has long been misread by some as erotic. Nabokov repeatedly rejected that interpretation, insisting the book was a moral and aesthetic tragedy, not a provocation.
That distinction is critical. Epstein's embrace of Lolita appears not merely tone-deaf but grotesquely revealing.
What do the newly released images from two decade Epstein investigation show?
According to the newly surfaced photographs, handwritten lines from Lolita appear on various parts of a woman's body. The context — including whether the markings belong to one individual or several — is unknown.
Among the quotations visible:
On a foot:
“She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock.”
Another image reads:
“She was Lola in slacks.”
A third line states:
“She was Polly at school.”
Across a chest, a more famous opening passage appears:
“Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth.”
Additional lines reportedly appear along a hip, neck and spine, including:
“She was Dolly at school.”
“She was Dolores on the dotted line.”
In one image, a copy of Lolita is visible in the background, reinforcing the connection.
Did Epstein openly flaunt his attachment to Lolita (s)?
Jeffrey Epstein reportedly kept a first-edition copy of Lolita in his New York townhouse office. His private jet, used to transport young women between properties, was infamously dubbed the “Lolita Express” by the press.
Journalist Michael Wolff, who once attempted to profile Epstein, wrote that the financier kept Lolita — and no other book — on his bedside table. Wolff recalled Epstein presenting himself as a Vladimir Nabokov enthusiast, a claim that sits uneasily with the novel's moral architecture.
When a fact-checker sought confirmation of those details, Epstein reportedly forwarded the query to Wolff with a curt refusal: “nfw,” meaning “no f***ing way”. The profile was never published.
Was Epstein actually a reader of Nabokov — or a poseur?
Multiple news reports suggests Jeffrey Epstein owned multiple editions of Lolita, including The Annotated Lolita, which he purchased for his Kindle just 43 days before his arrest in 2019. Yet literary scholars and critics have been sceptical of his supposed devotion.
Lolita, like Nabokov's Pale Fire, is a novel that exposes the self-deceptions of its narrator. Humbert Humbert is not romanticised; he is ridiculed, condemned and psychologically dissected.
As one cultural critic has observed, Humbert is “one of the most odious and self-absorbed creations in all of literature” — a rapist and murderer who cloaks himself in ornate language to evade moral responsibility.
Why was Nabokov's Lolita so controversial when it was published?
First published in France in 1955 after being rejected by several English-language publishers, Lolita provoked outrage almost immediately. The novel centres on Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man who becomes obsessed with, abducts and repeatedly sexually abuses a 12-year-old girl.The book's subject matter led to bans in several countries, including the United Kingdom and parts of the United States. Over time, however, it came to be recognised as a major literary work, admired for its linguistic virtuosity, narrative complexity and moral irony.
Nabokov consistently rejected interpretations of the novel as erotic, emphasising that it was a tragic and disturbing portrait of obsession, manipulation and self-delusion. Despite this, the term “Lolita” entered popular culture as shorthand for a sexually precocious girl — a distortion the author openly lamented.
The novel's notoriety, coupled with its cultural afterlife, has ensured that it remains one of the most debated works of twentieth-century literature.
Jeffery Epstein and Lolita – What remains unresolved?
The full context of the images released by Congress remains unclear, as does the extent to which they will feature in ongoing investigative or historical assessments of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. What is clear, however, is that the material reinforces a long-suspected truth: Epstein did not merely commit acts of abuse — he wrapped them in a false veneer of culture.In doing so, he left behind a cautionary tale not just about power and predation, but about how great literature can be distorted when read without conscience, humility or comprehension.
Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: Jeffrey Epstein, Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov, sexual abuse, cultural questions, cultural danger
No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:51:09 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday assured the public that there was no
8 hours ago
‘You endorse misogyny, cut the crap’: Shehzad Poonawalla joins BJP attack on Rahul Gandhi's ‘smash patriarchy’ call Shehzad Poonawalla and BJP were responding to Rahul Gandhi's call to "smash the patriarchy" during his party's 'Chhatro ki Goonj' programme in Pune. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
For Delhi-NCR residents, Guleria struck a reassuring note while explaining why this year’s wave has felt worse, but citizens need not panic The H1N1 virus driving Delhi-NCR’s current flu surge appears to be changing its structure — a process that is making it spread faster and slip past the
11 hours ago
A job applicant’s unusual rejection from a software engineering internship has left the internet divided after the candidate was reportedly turned down over the name of their resume file. The incident was highlighted in a now-viral post on X by user @adnaannasir_
11 hours ago
Elderly woman killed, husband injured in SUV hit-and-run at Delhi's posh GK-1 The woman, identified as Shashi, was declared brought dead at the hospital, while her husband Kulbhushan (65), was left injured. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 11:00:26 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
11 hours ago
Woman reflects on high-rise living in big cities: ‘Even the slice of the sky is fixed for us’ A woman shared her thoughts on high-rise life, saying big-city living can feel confined despite better work opportunities. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
Governor Abdullah Sarhadi gives money to treat a boy's broken arm and hands out funds for a local mosque - then, in his office in northern Afghanistan, an astonishing exchange unfolds. A young woman tells the grey-bearded former Taliban commander that she wants to divorce her husband
11 hours ago
Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as prime minister with a trip to Kyiv - and will hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The prime minister will chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing"
11 hours ago
Apple’s next iPhone launch is getting closer, and the company’s usual September schedule is beginning to take shape. According to a recent Forbes report, Apple could hold its special event on Wednesday, September 9, where it is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
11 hours ago
Fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has, in an audio clip, purportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, The Indian Express reported. The newspaper said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip
11 hours ago
Dad crashes daughter’s late-night work meeting over parcels: ‘Ek paise ki saving nahi karti’ A father’s surprise appearance during his daughter’s work call turns into a lecture on spending and saving. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:56:44 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via
11 hours ago
A Zimbabwean content creator’s tongue-in-cheek take on life in India has caught the attention of social media users after he shared 10 everyday conveniences that have completely changed his standard of living. From paying for almost everything with just a phone to having food
11 hours ago
Starting September 1, passengers traveling internationally will be required to use an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, as announced by immigration authorities. This significant change comes as the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
15 hours ago
The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings a mixed picture for Indian green card applicants. While some family-sponsored categories have moved forward, several employment-based categories remain severely constrained, with two India-specific categories listed as unavailable and the State Department
15 hours ago
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 drivers for lacking practical knowledge of Marathi, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. A total of 5,211 drivers were tested during a statewide inspection campaign that began on August 20, including 3
15 hours ago
19-year-old killed, friend injured after truck hits motorcycle on Delhi's Indraprastha flyover A police team reached the spot and found a motorcycle lying in a damaged condition and two people seriously injured. One of them died in the hospital. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
15 hours ago
Indian woman reveals why her family returned to India after 13 years in US: ‘You don’t really belong here’ A woman shared five reasons her family decided to leave the US and return to India after 13 years. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:43:56 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
15 hours ago
New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:28 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday on his first international
15 hours ago
Bengaluru vs Gurgaon? Man who lived in both cities explains why the comparison is ‘completely pointless’ A man said the Bengaluru versus Gurgaon debate was pointless and urged people to live in both cities before deciding. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
15 hours ago
Circle Wealth CIO and Managing Partner Chadha said the market was rewarding companies with strong earnings and improving outlooks, even as large-cap stocks remained under pressure. Diwali season is expected to bring a fresh boost for Indian equities following strong corporate earnings
15 hours ago
The restriction was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The central government on Saturday restricted the manufacturing, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)
15 hours ago
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:29 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ukraine on Monday hosts a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical
15 hours ago
'Trouble proving citizenship after representing India in 3 countries': Ex-envoy to ECI over Punjab SIR Suri served as India’s ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:34:33 IST By HT Correspondent Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
15 hours ago
2 killed after illegal building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli caves in Officials alleged that the building was built over or adjacent to a drain without the required permissions. Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:41:02 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link At least two
1 days ago
J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:43:04 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ramgarh
1 days ago
Jaiñtia Hills to the G7: Can Meghalaya turn ‘Lakadong’ into a global brand? The high-curcumin turmeric has gone from an obscure hill crop to a GI-tagged premium product showcased before world leaders. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:48:20 IST By David Laitphlang
1 days ago
Ex-NRI shares why she takes auto for 1 km ride to gym after moving to India: 'Life here is a compromise' The woman shared that she has to walk through an area where "everybody stares", while the pathway is "ubad-khabad", dirty and encroached. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
