The quote suggests that the author Vladimir Nabokov carefully crafted his novels around unique and complex words, which conveys a sense of his linguistic mastery and creativity. It humorously implies that his inspiration came from an ESL class where an instructor introduced these intricate words. This reinforces the idea that Nabokov's work is deeply embedded in language and that he utilized these terms to elevate his writing to an extraordinary level.

This playful notion comes from Paul Beatty's book "Slumberland," highlighting how Nabokov's style might be seen as both challenging and accessible, captivating readers while demanding their engagement with the text. The playful nature of the quote suggests that Nabokov's art lies not only in his storytelling but also in his adventurous use of language, contributing to the timeless quality of his literature.