THE VOICE OF THE TURTLE, a Short Story by Somerset Maugham

Peter Melrose is a young author whose debut novel has stirred controversy among critics. The narrator, initially unsure of his feelings towards Peter, meets him at a sherry party and finds him self-assertive, disputatious, and intolerant. Despite Peter's odious demeanor, the narrator is curious about his potential and reads his novel, discovering it to be autobiographical, with moments of brutal humor and genuine passion. The narrator's further encounters with Peter reveal his diffidence and desire for reassurance, contrasting with his outward arrogance. Eventually, Peter's passion for art and his vivid, albeit sometimes vulgar, writing leave a lasting impression on the narrator, even as he navigates the complexities of their budding friendship.