"Fifth Business" (novel by Robertson Davies)

"Fifth Business" by Robertson Davies is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of life through the story of Dunstan Ramsay, a Canadian man reflecting on his childhood and adult experiences. The title refers to a theatrical term for an essential but often overlooked role—paralleling how Ramsay perceives himself as the unnoticed, yet influential, "fifth business" in others’ lives. The book delves into themes of identity, guilt, sacrifice, and fate, illustrating how personal events and choices shape a person's character and destiny over time. It’s a rich meditation on the subtle ways individuals influence and are influenced by those around them.