"Bend Sinister"

"Bend Sinister" is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that explores themes of authoritarianism, intellectual repression, and moral conflict. Set in a fictional European country, it follows an esteemed philosopher whose ideas and integrity are challenged by an oppressive government seeking to control thought and expression. The title refers to a coat of arms feature symbolizing a distorted or skewed position, reflecting the distortion of justice and freedom under tyranny. The story examines the individual's struggle against conformity and the destructive power of political authority, illustrating how oppressive regimes threaten personal and intellectual independence.