Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

William Somerset Maugham ( 25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965) was an English playwright, novelist, and short-story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s.
His first novel Liza of Lambeth (1897) sold out so rapidly that Maugham gave up medicine to write full-time.
In 1915 he wrote Of Human Bondage initially was criticized in both Britain and the United States; the New York World described the romantic obsession of the protagonist Philip Carey as "the sentimental servitude of a poor fool". The influential American novelist and critic Theodore Dreiser rescued the novel, referring to it as a work of genius and comparing it to a Beethoven symphony. His review gave the book a lift, and it has never been out of print since.

Novels:
Liza of Lambeth (1897)
The Magician (1908)
Of Human Bondage (1915)
The Moon and Sixpence (1919)
Suggested read: The Painted Veil (1925)
Cakes and Ale (1930)
The Razor's Edge (1944)

Maugham has many works that you are welcome to explore and discuss here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...

Many have even been adapted to movies several times.

Which read are you thinking about venturing into?

Ooh, I've just unearthed a copy of 'On Human Bondage' that has been lying around the house for ages. This might be a good excuse to read it. I've never read any Somerset Maughan before, but if it's like a Beethoven symphony then it should be good...

I'm currently reading "The Moon and Sixpence". So far, his words are incredibly mesmerizing. I picked it up because it's based on a famous real-life artist, Paul Gauguin. I wanted to see how they would describe the journey of the main character and his arts.

Helen and Jay, you' ve both picked a winner! Those are two of his best books.

Jay wrote: "I'm currently reading "The Moon and Sixpence". So far, his words are incredibly mesmerizing. I picked it up because it's based on a famous real-life artist, Paul Gauguin. I wanted to see how they w..."

That's pleasing to know, Rosemarie! Charles Strickland seems like an enigma to me right now, but I'm excited to read about what lies ahead.

I'll be listening to The Painted Veil. I loved Of Human Bondage.

I have placed a hold on The Painted Veil. Will start as soon as I get the book.

I am happy you found a read Helen!

Happy to see you will be reading The Painted Veil Kathy and Maureen it is one I am hoping for as well.

I am so far behind in my reading schedule. I even need to post comments in Little House still :(

I'm also starting to fall behind, Lesle, and had planned to pass on Maugham, but the comments in this thread have encouraged me to tackle Of Human Bondage....ah well, another plan bites the dust.

John it is sad how our well laid plans get waylaid so easily!

Decades ago I read Of Human Bondage and it was my favorite book for years! Then I saw the movie with Bette Davis and decided to read it again with my husband. (I could see and hear Davis with her strong accent every time she would say, “I don’t mind.”) I still enjoyed it but had a different take than in my 20s. After others read it, I’ll add some comments under spoilers. I did have a few issues w the book the 2nd time reading it.

i read Of Human Bondage last year and i really enjoyed it!! i had definitely picked it up at a book store at random but i’m glad i did

That's good to hear, Emily!

Those are the best random surprises Emily!!

I finished The Painted Veil. It seemed to me a perfect story because of the character of Kitty Fane, (view spoiler)[learns and grows and changes throughout the novel. (hide spoiler)]

Interesting character in Kitty it sounds like! I am so glad you enjoyed it Kathy! Makes me want to dig it out and read it before I finish others :)

I loved The Painted Veil when I read it a few years ago. I hope to read The Moon And Sixpence

I just finished The Painted Veil I enjoyed it very much.

I am currently reading Liza of Lambeth and I literally felt as if I were Liza in Chapter 1 which was extremely exquisite to be her while I was simply riding as a passenger to the grocery store on a rainy Saturday morning…how completely divine…I am almost an immediate fan…we will see how the rest of the novel goes!

Maureen wrote: "I just finished The Painted Veil I enjoyed it very much."

I am glad you enjoyed it Maureen. It is on my list to read soon.

DaCane wrote: "I am currently reading Liza of Lambeth and I literally felt as if I were Liza in Chapter 1 which was extremely exquisite to be her while I was simply riding as a passenger to the grocery st..."

An interesting feeling about Liza. Sounds intriguing.

I'm halfway through 'Of Human Bondage' and I'm really enjoying it. The title made me think it might be some kind of heavy essay on the human condition. I suppose it is a kind of reflection on the human condition, but it's not heavy at all - it is just presented in a lovely story about the different challenges of growing up and learning about the world. I do hope the main character finds someone he gets on well with eventually, though. So far he seems to have trust issues and difficulty making close friends, even though he is a nice person.

Of Human Bondage is a wonderful book. I really like the way Maugham writes-his characters and his language.

Completely different than what I thought as well!

I just finished listening to The Razor’s Edge on Audible. I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions as they found their way through early adulthood and into their adult roles. The author as a character and narrator was in a engaging method. I have Cake and Ale on my list to look forward to later this year.

Annette wrote: "I just finished listening to The Razor’s Edge on Audible. I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions as they found their way through early adulthood and into their adult roles. The auth..."

I am happy to hear you liked this read and his characters. When you read Cake and Ale please let us know about it here in this thread. It will still be open in the Archive section if you do not get to it in the next month or so.