Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov

An eccentric chess master, whose unstable childhood rendered him incapable of relating well with others, finds that chess is his only escape and solace. At an Italian resort, where he is favored to win a prestigious chess championship, he meets and falls in love with a caring woman. When a former mentor turned jealous saboteur tries to destroy his confidence, the fragile genius may lose more than just the big game.