Transparent ThingsThe darkly comic Transparent Things, one of Nabokov's final books, traces the bleak life of Hugh Person through murder, madness, prison and trips to Switzerland. One of these was the last journey his father ever took; on another, having been sent to ingratiate himself with a distinguished novelist, he met his future wife. Nabokov's brilliant short novel sinks into the transparent things of the world that surround this one Person, to the silent

goodwill is distinctly lacking amongst the amateur dramatics enthusiasts

Spencer Savage

Tom has seen a lot

she knows the missing employees are only the first indication of a sickness threatening the park

Her own family wishes her dead

battling even with his more experienced partner

In this vivid account

But all will flock to his banner

Stacie Jones lives a quiet life in a small village

By degrees he is drawn into the battle

The prisoners draw lots among themselves - and for rich lawyer Louis Chavel

The kidnapper