An extensive look at the life of Sergey Vladimirovich Nabokov, the gay brother of the famed Russian author of classics like Lolita (Penguin, 1955). In spite of serving as the basis for numerous gay characters in Vladimir's fiction, he was a lifelong embarrassment to his elder sibling. Russell's well-researched novel explores this tense fraternal relationship, beginning with their childhood, when the Nabokov family were forced to flee Russia during the Revolution. Sergey's story provides an important window into both the Nabokov family and the gay experience.