Albinus

Originally titled "Camera Obscura" and serialized in 1932, Vladimir Nabokov's novel was first translated into English in 1936, a version the author found unsatisfactory. He later produced his own translation, published in 1938 under the title "Laughter in the Dark." Despite some misconceptions, the novel reflects significant personal developments for Nabokov.

The narrative centers on Albert Albinus, a middle-aged art critic who becomes infatuated with Margot Peters, a much younger woman. Albinus leaves his wife, Elisabeth, for Margot, who is primarily interested in his wealth and has no genuine affection for him. Their relationship leads to dire consequences for Albinus, as Margot and her former lover, Axel Rex, conspire to exploit him financially. The story details Albinus's descent from a respected critic to a blinded, manipulated victim, culminating in his murder by Margot.

The novel features a cast of characters, notably Albert Albinus, a wealthy art critic, and Margot Peters, a seventeen-year-old aspiring actress who becomes his obsession. Albinus is married to Elisabeth, but his infatuation with Margot leads him to abandon his family. Margot, however, is driven by mercenary motives, seeking to secure Albinus's wealth. She manipulates him into divorce and cohabitation, even as his daughter, Irma, falls ill and dies. The plot further complicates with the re-emergence of Axel Rex, Margot's former lover, who conspires with her to defraud Albinus.

Albinus facilitates Margot's entry into acting, despite her lack of talent, by backing a film. During the film's premiere, Margot's mediocrity is exposed, wounding her ego. Albinus attempts to placate her with a new car and a holiday, during which Axel Rex joins them as chauffeur. Rex, posing as homosexual to gain Albinus's trust, and Margot continue their affair. A chance encounter reveals the affair to Albinus, leading to a confrontation and a car accident that leaves him blinded. Rex and Margot then exploit his vulnerability, moving him to a Swiss chalet where Rex, posing as his doctor, subjects him to psychological torment.

The extent of Rex and Margot's financial exploitation of Albinus is discovered by his brother-in-law, Paul, who notices suspicious activity on Albinus's bank accounts. Paul intervenes, rescuing Albinus from the chalet and returning him to his estranged wife, Elisabeth. Upon learning that Margot has returned to his Berlin apartment, Albinus, now aware of her betrayal, seeks her out with the intent to kill her. He traps her in his flat, but during their confrontation, Margot overpowers him, seizes his pistol, and fatally shoots him.