Sergey Nabokov

Vladimir and Sergey in 1916

The Nabokov children in 1918 (from left to right): Vladimir, Kirill, Olga, Sergey and Elena

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Sergey Nabokov (1900–1945) was a Russian figure known primarily for being the younger brother of the famous Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov, author of the celebrated novel Lolita. Born into an aristocratic family in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Sergey's life was markedly different from that of his brother, not least because of his sexual orientation, which was a source of tension within his family and the conservative society of the time.

Early Life

Sergey was born into the wealthy and noble Nabokov family. His father, Vladimir Dmitrievich Nabokov, was a prominent lawyer, journalist, and statesman, while his mother, Elena Ivanovna, was also from a distinguished family. The Nabokovs were trilingual, speaking Russian, English, and French, and they encouraged a love of literature, music, and the arts in their children. Sergey and Vladimir were close in their early years, sharing tutors and a home filled with intellectual stimulation.

Education and Personal Life

Sergey Nabokov received an education that matched his family's status, attending the Tenishev School in Saint Petersburg, which was known for its progressive curriculum. Unlike Vladimir, who pursued studies in zoology and then literature, Sergey's academic and career paths are less documented, overshadowed by his brother's burgeoning literary fame and Sergey's own struggles with his identity.

Sergey's homosexuality was a significant aspect of his life, particularly given the societal norms of early 20th-century Russia. This aspect of his identity caused estrangement from certain family members and made his life more complicated, especially after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which led to the Nabokov family fleeing Russia for Western Europe.

Life in Exile

The Nabokov family settled in Berlin, where Sergey lived for a time. However, the rise of the Nazi regime and its persecution of homosexuals added further peril to his life. His movements during these years are less well-documented, but it is known that he faced legal troubles related to his sexual orientation and struggled with various personal issues.

World War II and Death

During World War II, Sergey Nabokov's situation became increasingly precarious. He was eventually arrested by the Nazis. Reports indicate that he died in 1945 in the Neuengamme concentration camp near Hamburg, Germany, a victim of the regime's brutal policies towards homosexuals and other groups they deemed undesirable.

Legacy

Sergey Nabokov's life story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in different historical periods and regimes. While he did not achieve the literary fame of his brother, his life and struggles are an integral part of the Nabokov family narrative and the broader history of the 20th century. His story has been explored in various biographical works about the Nabokov family and in studies on the history of homosexuality in Russia and Europe.