W. Somerset Maugham Reader's Group discussion

Which one is your favourite?

For me I will always get emotional about Of Human Bondage, I don't even think I can read it over any time soon :( It hits you in the soul.

For me, its Of Human Bondage as well. I read it at a fairly young age and it had a great impact on how I view the world.

For the longest time, it was Of Human Bondage, and in fact that was my favorite book, period. It's still an extremely formative book for me in terms of how I view myself, others, and the world.

But these days, I'm a little more cheerful I guess, and when I'm looking for my Maugham fix, I'll pull Cakes and Ale off the shelf, or maybe The Razor's Edge.

The moon and sixpence.

W. Somerset Maugham has been a favourite of mine for a long time, and my favourite novel is usually the last one I have (re)read - at the moment that would be Ashenden. Although if pressed, I would also have to mention The Razor's Edge. I have just completed Selina Hastings biography of WSM (The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham: A Biography). I have read at least one other Maugham biography and I don't know how much new material there is in this one, but I found it extremely readable, very complete and very enjoyable.

Hmm.. Razor's Edge followed by Cake and Ale and definitely Rain!!

The Painted Veil

The Razor's Edge is my favorite novel of all time, regardless of author. It's like a field manual for life.

I discovered "Christmas Holiday" several years ago - a wonderfully provocative novel unlike anything else of Maugham's I've read

although is old ,but i can see the quite lifestyle ,even with little money.

Portia wrote: "Which one is your favourite?

For me I will always get emotional about Of Human Bondage, I don't even think I can read it over any time soon :( It hits you in the soul."

say something more about it

The Painted Veil, read as a teen I remember this quote for some reason "The painted veil, which one who lives call life."

Padilla wrote: "Steve wrote: "The Razor's Edge is my favorite novel of all time, regardless of author. It's like a field manual for life."

There's a copy of it sitting on my shelf, but have still not read it. Wil..."

I do hope you enjoy it. I'm curious to read what your thoughts are afterward.

I've only read two books a second time, and TRE is one of them.

I prefer his short stories.

Paul wrote: "Steve wrote: "The Razor's Edge is my favorite novel of all time, regardless of author. It's like a field manual for life."

It's interesting that the ending of the Razor's Edge is essentially the s..."

Kind of an apt assessment of life in general.

My favorite ss is "The Letter." I will reread "The Alien Corn" tonight.

"The Razor's Edge" followed by "Ashenden"