The Story

This isn't a single, twisting plot. It's a series of character sketches, with the Bibliotaph at its center. We meet a man who collects books not to display, but to absorb. His real conversations are with authors long dead. The world outside his library—with its parties and small talk—feels pale compared to the vivid worlds on his shelves. The 'other people' in the title are the various souls he observes, who seem to live lightly on the surface of life, while he drowns in its depths through print.

Why You Should Read It

Vincent writes with a warm, observant eye. He doesn't judge his book-obsessed hero; he understands him. Reading this feels like having a coffee with a very clever, slightly wistful friend. The themes are surprisingly modern: social anxiety, the search for meaning, and how we connect (or fail to connect) with others. The Bibliotaph's love for books is pure, but Vincent lets us see the cost—the life potentially missed. It’s this gentle tension that makes it stick with you.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who considers reading a core part of their identity. If you love character-driven stories over action, or if you’ve ever been called a 'bookworm' (as a compliment or otherwise), this feels like a secret handshake. It’s a slow, charming read for a rainy afternoon, best enjoyed with a good cup of tea and the comforting weight of your own to-be-read pile nearby.