It has been clear for some time now that Sally Benson is one of the best of The New Yorker writers…. Like John O'Hara, however, who was formed in the same school, Mrs. Benson's work [collected in "People are Fascinating"] has more substance to it and a more cutting edge than the average wraith-like New Yorker piece. Her satire has point, force, venom; she is seldom guilty of rarefied whimsy; only her poorest sketches are tepid and over-elusive….

To compare this one and that one with Dorothy Parker is a dodge which few reviewers are able to resist. In Mrs. Benson's case the comparison is unavoidable. Though her angle is different, and fractionally more humane, she is an impishly discerning about the frailties of her fellows. She has an equally merciless ear for the fatuous speech, an eye as deadly for the foolish, betraying gesture. Less brilliant, possible...