Lolita author Nabokov's unfinished novel to hit store shelves soon

NEW YORK: Vladimir Nabokov wanted it burned on his death, but The Original of Laura survived and now, 32 years later, the unfinished novel is about to be published for the first time.

Despite Nabokov's dying wish, publication of the manuscript, which was compiled on index cards, is set for Nov 17 in New York and London, giving what many hope will be an unexpected glimpse of his genius.

The Russian-born writer's widow Vera had already saved his most famous work, Lolita, from the flames, and their son Dmitry, 75, followed suit by preserving Laura.