Orpheus in Mayfair, and Other Stories and Sketches

A lively assortment of short pieces, ranging from gentle humor to quietly observant portraits, brings the turn‑of‑the‑century London scene to life. The stories first appeared in well‑known newspapers, and each retains the crisp, conversational style of its original publication. Together they sketch the moods of cafés, drawing‑rooms and the bustling streets, offering listeners a mosaic of characters whose hopes and foibles feel remarkably modern.

One of the most memorable sketches follows a twenty‑four‑year‑old Greek singer‑composer who has settled in Bayswater with his young Italian wife and their two children. He juggles teaching music and language while dreaming of a grand recital that might revive the ancient songs of his homeland. Just as a promising invitation arrives, a sudden fever strikes his little son, forcing the family to confront a painful choice between ambition and urgent care. The episode captures both the tenderness of family life and the precariousness of artistic aspiration.