The Gift, Nabokov’s final Russian novel, stands as a pinnacle of his contributions to his native literature. Recognized by Nabokov himself and many readers as his most significant Russian work, it is noted for its length and complexity, reflecting a deep engagement with the classical tradition of Russian novels from the nineteenth century. In the narrative, the protagonist, Fyodor, mentions that the novel includes “types, love, fate, conversations... and with descriptions of nature,” encapsulating the essence of the Russian literary heritage to which Nabokov was bidding farewell.

With The Gift, Nabokov encapsulates his Russian literary journey, crafting a masterpiece of his native tradition before transitioning to an American literary career in 1940. It is only after achieving international acclaim with his American works, notably Lolita (1955), Pale Fire (1962), and Ada or Ardor: A Family Chronicle (1969), that Nabokov's earlier Russian texts, including The Gift, were translated into English and garnered the recognition they deserved. This novel serves as a testament to his Russian roots, symbolizing both an end and a bridge to his future endeavors in the literary world."