The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Nabokov, Vladimir. Bend Sinister. Time Life Books, 1964.

Vladimir Nabokov's novel Bend Sinister is written from both the first and third person points of view, and toys with conventional notions regarding plot, form, and style. While the novel employs a multiplicity of tenses, and temporal and spatial distortions, the following summary adheres to a linear structure and the present tense.

Shortly after Adam Krug's wife Olga undergoes surgery, Krug learns that the procedure was unsuccessful and his wife will die. In the moments preceding her death, Krug stares out the hospital window, observing the scenes nearby. He feels certain that he will always remember these images.

After Olga dies, Krug walks home. He is suddenly overcome by emotion and begins weeping. At first, the tears are a relief, but Krug soon regrets his emotionality. He often feels like two selves, and is reluctant to humor the more emotional, reserved iteration.

When Krug finally returns home, his house lacks its usual familiarity. Then he remembers his young son, David, and realizes he cannot let his sorrow get the best of him. He must care for David. He contacts his close friend, Ember, and asks him to handle Olga's funeral arrangements. He and David flee town for the country. Krug does not know how to tell his son about his mother's death.

While at his friend Maximov's country house, Krug and Maximov discuss politics. The current Ruler, Paduk, is threatening the nation. Paduk also wants Krug to become a spokesperson for the State, in order to secure the allegiance of the population. Krug is a renowned thinker and influential philosopher. Therefore, Paduk knows that citizens will trust his opinion and mimic his decisions. Maximov urges Krug not to give into Paduk's manipulations, and to flee the country at once. Krug agrees with his friend, but is too concerned with his grief and David's wellbeing to handle the situation.

After returning from the country, Krug spends time with Ember. The men distract themselves from their sorrow over Olga with Shakespearean discussion and word games. Suddenly, Paduk's soldiers invade the house and arrest Ember.

Krug wanders around in a state of distressed confusion. He does not understand why Paduk is arresting people unassociated with politics. That night, another of Krug's friends is arrested.

Krug decides to meet with Paduk in order to gain control of the situation. After the meeting, he tells himself that if he remains inconspicuous, Paduk will not harm him. He then attempts to quell his sadness and anxiety by returning to his intellectual work. He despairs and cannot focus.

Then one night, Krug lies around thinking and dreaming. When he awakens, he has had a breakthrough. Energized by his new ideas and capacity to write, Krug does not realize that he is in danger. Paduk’s soldiers storm the house. They kidnap David and arrest Krug. Krug soon learns that they have killed David. Distraught, Krug gives up the will to live. Eventually he has a dream which grants him a sense of peace as he approaches his death.