The Master's "The Defense"

Vladimir writing "The Defense" 1929

Does a synopsis really matter with a Nabokov book? Overtly, the book is about a chess prodigy who goes nuts and begins to view the world, his life as a gigantic chessboard game. But for me, Nabby's books have always been about the craftsmanship of writing. He creates mood, feeling based on words; he's not interested in similes, or using short sentences or long ones, or other sophomoric techniques. If you're interested in delving into a lush world of words, check it out. It will remind you that this is how it's done. (Image via Cnn.com)