Meaning: Vladimir Nabokov, a prominent Russian-American novelist, wrote this quote that reflects his deep appreciation for the power and significance of personal artifacts within the realm of fiction. This quote is essentially an ode to the ability of a novelist to preserve and immortalize a genuine love letter within a work of fiction. Nabokov uses vivid imagery to describe the love letter as a "clean bullet in flabby flesh," emphasizing its purity and authenticity amidst the artificiality of the fictional world. He suggests that the presence of such a genuine artifact within a work of fiction adds a layer of authenticity and depth, anchoring the narrative in real emotion and experience.

Nabokov's own novels often contain elements of autobiographical details and personal experiences, and it is clear that he valued the incorporation of real-life sentiments and objects into his fictional works. By preserving a love letter within a work of fiction, a novelist can capture a genuine and intimate aspect of their own history, infusing the narrative with a sense of reality and emotional depth.

The idea of preserving a personal artifact within a work of fiction also speaks to the larger theme of memory and nostalgia in literature. Nabokov's quote suggests that by embedding a love letter or other personal memento within a fictional narrative, the novelist can create a profound and lasting connection between the past and the present, allowing the reader to engage with the characters and their emotions on a deeper level.

Furthermore, the quote hints at the idea of the novelist as a curator of emotions and experiences, carefully selecting and preserving meaningful artifacts within the world of their creation. In doing so, the novelist creates a bridge between the real and the imaginary, allowing the reader to experience a sense of emotional authenticity within the fictional realm.

Nabokov's use of the term "spurious lives" in the quote also highlights his disdain for inauthenticity in literature. By embedding a genuine love letter within a work of fiction, the novelist can counteract the artificiality of the characters and their experiences, infusing the narrative with a sense of truth and sincerity.

In conclusion, Vladimir Nabokov's quote celebrates the ability of a novelist to preserve and immortalize personal artifacts within a work of fiction, emphasizing the emotional authenticity and depth that such objects bring to the narrative. By incorporating a love letter or other genuine memento, the novelist creates a powerful connection between the real and the imaginary, allowing the reader to engage with the characters and their emotions on a deeper level. This quote serves as a testament to the enduring impact of personal experiences and sentiments within the realm of literature, and it highlights the novelist's role as a curator of emotions and memories within the world of fiction.