31 Shots of Shock: #2 – ‘The Visit to the Museum’ by Vladimir Nabokov

*Title: ‘The Visit to the Museum’ by Vladimir Nabokov
Date Read: 02 October 2010
Available Online?: YES (Word format)
Briefly: While embarking on a visit to France the narrator is asked by a Russian friend to enquire about a family portrait which hangs in a museum in a small provincial town. Reluctant at first to carry out the request, the narrator finds himself by chance standing before the old museum one day, and he decides to enter.
Afterthoughts: You would think that dusty old museums and ancient family portraits would offer up the perfect ingredients for a ‘terror tale’, but sadly this story ended up being more mystical than horrifying (in fact given all of its Soviet references, this story feels more allegorical than anything else). Certainly not a badly written story by any stretch (especially during its first half), but this one’s as far from a spine-tingler as it’s likely to get. For that reason I come away disappointed after reading it.
Notable Quote: It was a building of modest proportions, constructed of many colored stones, with columns, a gilt inscription over the frescoes of the pediment, and a lion-legged stone bench on either side of the bronze door. One of its leaves stood open, and the interior seemed dark against the shimmer of the shower. I stood for a while on the steps, but, despite the overhanging roof, they were gradually growing speck led. I saw that the rain had set in for good, and so, having nothing better to do, I decided to go inside.

Rating:

*Story read as part of my 31 Shots of Shock reading challenge.