Book One, Chapters 1-5 Summary

Ada by Vladimir Nabokov is a novel about the Veen family and an incestuous relationship between two members of the family. The Durmanovs are from Estoty but their favorite residence is in Raduga. Their daughters, Aqua and Marina, are born there. Aqua marries Walter D. Veen, a Manhattan banker who has an affair with Marina who marries his cousin, also named Walter D. Veen. Marina has two daughters. Years later, two children Pimpernel and Nicolette are rummaging in the attic at Ardis Hall and find mementos of their Aunt Marina. The children are descendants of Princess Sofia Zemske of the Russian Yarolav rulers.

Chapter Two discusses Marina who was an actress. Demon Veen is in the audience and has a wager about Marina's performance in the play. He wins his wager from Prince N. because Marina is...