Bodine is a writer, editor, and researcher who has taught at the Milwaukee College of Business. In the following essay, he discusses the style of "A Guide to Berlin," focusing on Nabokov's description of the story as "tricky."

When the full extent of Nabokov's talent began to declare itself in the novels he wrote between 1940 and 1970, Nabokov's critical reputation began a steady ascent that by the time of his death had earned him, in the eyes of some critics, a place among the twentieth century's foremost literary masters. "As long as Western civilization survives," his obituary in the New York Times concluded, "his reputation is safe. Indeed, he will probably emerge as one of the greatest artists our century has produced." For many of his admiring critics Nabokov seemed an altogether unique literary presence laboring in a sphere all his own. One such critic called him "one...