Memoirs of a Midget

By Walter de la Mare

Book Overview

"Memoirs of a Midget" is a profound and evocative work of literary fiction by Walter de la Mare that explores the interior life of Miss M., a woman of diminutive stature navigating a world built for those much larger than herself. Written as a personal journal, the narrative follows Miss M. through her childhood, her struggles for independence following the death of her parents, and her complex relationships with a society that both observes and ostracizes her. De la Mare's prose is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and psychological depth, capturing the unique perspective of a character who is physically small but possesses an immense spirit and intellect.

The story delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the search for belonging. As Miss M. encounters various figures-from the well-meaning to the exploitative-the book offers a poignant critique of social conventions and human nature. Often regarded as a masterpiece of early 20th-century literature, "Memoirs of a Midget" blends elements of the picaresque with haunting realism. This enduring classic remains a powerful meditation on what it means to be different and the resilience required to maintain one's dignity and autonomy in an indifferent world.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102584050X
• ISBN13: 9781025840505
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 444 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Well, I'll take my time to do this...

...though few enough people will ever read it, because this book languishes in undeserved obscurity. This novel is a fascinating look into a life which is unimaginable to most of us--this life of a tiny, delicate midget, whose heart and soul are as large as she is small. This is not a book to be picked up for an idle afternoon's reading (though it is not difficult to read), because it is truly like entering...well, a fairyland. If you are a reader of high fiction, you will love it. And, though I'm evidently the only person in the world who knows this, it would make a world-beating animated film.

The most enchanting and bizarre tale you'll ever encounter

De La Mare's little gem, Memoirs of a Midget has to be one of my favourite novels of all time; an uncanny situation, richly developed personalities and the ever present philisophical questions of identity, place and sexuality are all addressed in the most quizzical and charming ways. A must have for those who consider themselves lovers of fairytales as well as philosophers.

short peoples unite!

I thought that this book was excellent! As a fellow short person, I could relate to the story wonderfully! I have felt the same feelings that she felt, it was almost like a mirror was held up to my life. Well except for the when the book took place I can't believe how awesome this book was! Now perhaps people will look at the midgets and think that they are real people too, not just disformed humans. you should read this book. It was the best book I ever read. I hope that everyone reads this book so that people everywhere can get to know the hardships that we face in our day to day lives. This book really educated my friends on how hard life can be. I can only hope that others will do the same thing.

An engagingly told, wry yet witty read

Memoirs Of A Midget by Walter de la Mare is a fictional memoir of Miss M, a diminutive young woman (exactly how diminutive is left up to the reader's interpretation!), who grows up in an orphanage and eventually falls in love with a full-sized woman even as she is courted by a male dwarf. The daily travails of Miss M, with the unique obstacles presented by her size difference, lead to her resolve to claim independence by offering herself as a spectacle in a circus. An engagingly told, wry yet witty read, Memoirs Of A Midget is a unique and inherently fascinating novel from beginning to end.