In his work "Strong Opinions," Vladimir Nabokov expresses a strong rejection of certain celebrated authors, asserting that they hold no significance for him. He conveys a sense of alienation from the literary canon, referring to the names of these authors as engraved on empty graves, indicating their lack of impact on his reading experience. Writers like Brecht, Faulkner, and Camus are dismissed as nonentities in his view, suggesting that the literary establishment's embrace of these figures feels conspiratorial rather than genuine to him.

Nabokov criticizes the way some works, such as "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and the poetry of Ezra Pound, are lauded as exemplary literature. He questions the mainstream acceptance of these texts, labeling them as bland or pretentious. His remarks reveal a profound skepticism towards popular literary accolades, revealing his belief that true literary merit often lies outside what is conventionally praised by critics and peers. This perspective highlights his individual approach to literature, valuing personal taste above accepted norms.