The Parts Men Play

"The Parts Men Play" by Beverley Baxter is a captivating story set in the bustling heart of early 20th-century London, revolving around Lady Durwent, who has a knack for throwing dinner parties that bring together a diverse group of personalities, including a struggling author named H. Stackton Dunkley and an American writer, Austin Selwyn, highlighting their interactions. As Lady Durwent prepares for an exclusive gathering, the narrative introduces a cast of characters, each with their own quirks, like the outspoken Madame Carlotti, the Italian diplomat’s wife, setting the stage for social tensions. Through their interactions, the story teases out themes of social class, personal identity, and the clash of American and British cultures against the atmospheric backdrop of a foggy morning in London.