How Can I Write A Character Based On a Controversial Book & Author?

Hello! I’m working on a project where every character is based on a piece of literature. The original work determines their powers and abilities and even who they are as people.

My only rule is to avoid extreme books written by truly harmful people, and I’ve run into a problem with Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita.

I have not read it yet, but I have seen several essays about it. I am especially interested in the unreliable narrator aspect to it. This perspective of a man who wants to justify his delusions. Humbert is scum, but he tries to convince the reader to sympathize with him.

I imagined a villain who changes reality at his whim. He might convince the protagonist of lies and illusions, but proves at the end, without his power, he is a weak, broken man. Just a worthless, pathetic creep.

I want to make sure I am not getting into dangerous territory before I commit fully to this. I know Nabokov himself was not a predator and was abused as a child. He was an author writing about disturbing topics and was critiquing Humbert instead of condoning him.

That said, I know that adapting traits from a book with such sensitive content could cause backlash based on associations alone. I want to handle it carefully and respect the original intent, without trivializing its themes.

I’d like to hear from those who know Lolita better: Does my interpretation match the text’s actual purpose? Am I missing nuances or potential issues in adapting its core ideas into a villain? I genuinely just want to learn more before I go and write something harmful or misguided.

Thank you for reading, and I appreciate any insight!