His Own People

His Own People is a novel by Booth Tarkington, first published in 1907. It follows Robert Russ Mellin, a young man from a small town who seeks to integrate into the elite society of Rome. As he navigates this glamorous yet deceptive world, Mellin's idealism is challenged by the complexities of identity, ambition, and betrayal, particularly through his interactions with the captivating Madame de Vaurigard. The novel explores themes of man-woman relationships and the social customs of early 20th-century Italy.