Some People

This unique collection features nine character sketches, blending reality and imagination. Some People explores identity through engaging portraits of intriguing individuals.

Published in 1927, Some People is a unique collection of nine character sketches that delve into the lives and traits of various intriguing individuals. Among those portrayed are Miss Plimsoll, J. D. Marstock, Lambert Orme, and the Marquis de Chaumont, each character offering a glimpse into a distinct personality. The author, while claiming that many sketches are purely imaginary, blurs the lines between fiction and reality, presenting a rich tapestry of composite portraits that reflect real-life figures and their eccentricities.

The influence of Some People extends beyond its pages, as noted by prominent figures like Vladimir Nabokov, who acknowledged the book's profound impact on his own writing. He revealed that throughout his life, he had been grappling with the influence of this work, describing its style as addictive. Similarly, critic Stacy Schiff admitted to its lasting impression, highlighting the book's captivating nature that invites readers to revisit it time and again.

Categorizing Some People proves challenging, as it intertwines elements of fiction, biography, and autobiography. Virginia Woolf's insightful commentary suggests that the author artfully reveals his own absurdities through the characters he portrays. Ultimately, Some People stands out as a spellbinding exploration of identity and perception, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of self and the mirrors held up by those around us.