MARY <i> by Vladimir Nabokov translated by Michael Glenny (Vintage: $6.95)</i>

Vladimir Nabokov’s first novel, set amid the Russian emigre community in Berlin during the ‘20s, only hints at the brilliance of his future works. Lev Ganin’s nostalgic love for the unseen title character ends with a typically ironic twist, and his recollections of a juvenile romance amid the sylvan beauties of a vast Russian country estate prefigure the delicate passions of “Ada.” But at 27, Nabokov did not yet command the shimmering, recherche, multileveled style of his mature novels. “Mary” offers an intriguing look at a great writer beginning to explore his extraordinary talent.