Bright Young Things discussion

Do we have any Maugham fans out there? - What is it about him or his writing style that you like?

Maugham is the master of derisive description--he lampoons his characters, yet even the most unlikeable usually have sympathetic aspects. His wit is dry. He captures the beauty of the world without sounding maudlin, and the tragedy of life without sounding depressing. Mostly I love the wonderful precision of his words---his sentences delight me with their economy.

His books are interesting and realistic. I love his short stories as well as novels, I like that he doesn't creat ideal characters. I can't point to something specific in his writing style that makes me like his books, it is the whole experiance of reading him that is special.

I don't always like the characters Maugham writes - but they're interesting regardless, even if I would like to smack the snot out of some of them. :) He's one of the better writers I've encountered who writes setting well. I haven't read all that many but have enjoyed what I have read, especially Of Human Bondage. I actually wonder if I would like it as much if I read it now - when I first read it I was probably 15 or 16 and fell in love with it. But you know how those sorts of tastes can change over time.

El wrote: "I don't always like the characters Maugham writes - but they're interesting regardless, even if I would like to smack the snot out of some of them. :) He's one of the better writers I've encounte..."

Which characters would you like to smack the snot out of?

Kitty, for one. Also Philip and Mildred both in Of Human Bondage could have had some sense knocked into them. But again, these frustrating characters don't deter me from reading Maugham. In fact, I wind up recognizing a lot of them in people I've known in my own life, so there's a relativity there that I don't find in many authors.

I will say that I don't think Maugham writes women very well. Or more specifically I don't know that Maugham has a very high opinion of women, since the women he write are generally viewed as either frivolous and therefore unworthy of being taken seriously or incapable of taking care of themselves. Again, I've only read a few Maugham books, but that's the impression I've gotten. Normally this would turn me off from reading him entirely, but have found redeeming features in the rest of his writing.

I just wonder if his attitude towards women in his writing is a product of the time in which he was writing, or if he really held those views. I'll have to research him as a writer and person before deciding. Anyone have a good Maugham biography to recommend?

El wrote: "Kitty, for one. Also Philip and Mildred both in Of Human Bondage could have had some sense knocked into them. But again, these frustrating characters don't deter me from reading Maugham... I will say that I don't think Maugham writes women very well. Or more specifically I don't know that Maugham has a very high opinion of women, since the women he write are generally viewed as either frivolous and therefore unworthy of being taken seriously or incapable of taking care of themselves. "

I've never noticed that, but I'll keep an eye out in the future. It could be that we've just read different Maugham books. I've never read Of Human Bondage .

As for the female characters in The Painted Veil , I agree that Kitty is certainly fairly frivolous and allows others to make decisions for her, but I don't think the nuns could be classified as either frivolous or incapable of taking care of themselves. If anything, they seemed rather too strong and virtuous.

I've never read a biography of Maugham, but I'd like to. I tried to read one of his memoirs, The Summing Up ,and I found it strangely unreadable, despite his very interesting life (orphaned, raised in Paris, bi or gay, served as a British agent during both world wars).

One of my 2k10 projects is to read all of Somerset's work.

Thing is, so many other good books are coming up . . . but I've got the whole year . . . here's what I've done so far:

Painted Veil - watched movie - Dec 22nd

Daisy - a short story - listened to audio version - Dec 22nd

Honolulu - a short story - listened to audio - Dec 23rd

Being Julia - watched movie December 22nd

Marriages are Made in Heaven - a one act play - listened to audio Dec 23rd

The Moon and Sixpence - short story - listened to audio Dec 24th

The Razor's Edge - I have a copy of the audio - I've seen the movie and read the the book

......................

I'll probably go over those short stories again - they've already left my mind.

Somerset, if his stories are any reflection, just loves women . . . or hates them? Something to think about - he always writes them up as being trouble makers, doesn't he?

His books and stories are good - that's all I care about. His personal life is something to be curious about - wouldn't make a diff to me - I'd still like his stuff.

Of the four of his works I have read so far I really like the least known among them; one of his later works: Christmas Holiday. The last line in this gritty book of unfulfilled lives is pure mastery.

Robin wrote: "Of the four of his works I have read so far I really like the least known among them; one of his later works: Christmas Holiday. The last line in this gritty book of unfulfilled lives is pure mastery..."

...ooh - what is it? (...maybe you should share it in our Florilegium).

Robin wrote: "Of the four of his works I have read so far I really like the least known among them; one of his later works: Christmas Holiday. The last line in this gritty book of unfulfilled lives is pure maste..."

I've read a number of his works. My friend Wil considers his life in two parts: before "Of Human Bondage" and after. I wasn't as impressed. I found that particular book too long and plodding (great story). I absolutely LOVED "The Moon and Sixpence," "Cakes and Ale," "The Razor's Edge," "The Painted Veil" and liked "Up at the Villa." My land based book group is reading two of his stories in March: "The Letter" and "Rain."

I tried to watch "Rain" the other day - with Joan Crawford.....I know that as a gay man I'm supposed to have a gene that makes these old movie stars and melodramas irresistable...but geez-o-man was this bad and broad and way over the top.

Ally wrote: "Robin wrote: "Of the four of his works I have read so far I really like the least known among them; one of his later works: Christmas Holiday. The last line in this gritty book of unfulfilled lives..."

Ally ! I can't tell you that - you have to read it.

Ivan wrote: "Robin wrote: "Of the four of his works I have read so far I really like the least known among them; one of his later works: Christmas Holiday. The last line in this gritty book of unfulfilled lives..."

When I read Of Human Bondage I liked it, but it is a bit long, as you say, and at times irritating. It had a kind of grim fascination for me. For some reason it reminds me of Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. The main protagonist in both is an okay but less than impressive person, thinking they have control of their lives, when in fact they have very little. They are consistent only in their ability to change their minds far too easily, often defying commonsense. I like both stories.

Robin wrote: "Ally ! I can't tell you that - you have to read it..."

LOL - OK! - I'll have to look it out. - I suppose you'd have to get the whole picture before the ending makes its masterful impact!

I recall reading an introduction to "Of Human Bonadge" in which Maugham offered an apolgia for its length and said something to the effect that had he written it in his later years (obviously this intro was to a re-issue) it would not have been so long and overstated.

Of Human Bondage is one of my favorite books -- may be time to re-read it.

I'm going to be leading a discussion on 'The Razor's Edge' at The Book Nook, right here at Goodreads in April . . .

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3...

You can also see where I'm doing my chapter by chapter summaries at Wild City's Books n' Movies.

http://wildcity.proboards.com/index.c...

Feel free to participate at either.

Thanks for letting us know Carly - I bet that would be an interesting chat! - maybe 'The razor's Edge' should be a future nomination choice for the Bright Young Things! - you should nominate it next month.

Good luck with the discussion!

Ally

I have only recently discovered the wonder of WSM. So far I've only read three of his works...

1. Ashenden

I was very impressed by Ashenden. Maugham's beautiful writing evokes the life of a spy and is based on his own spying experiences during World War 1. Through a series of interrelated short stories the reader gains an appreciation of Maugham's spying experiences. He is insightful about those he meets, their motivations, and the extent to which they might be friend or foe. In the course of these stories, Maugham's protagonist Ashenden (a self portrait) gets to travel throughout Europe and Asia on missions where he meets a diverse cast of characters. Although this world is the polar opposite of James Bond, the stakes are still high (imprisonment or death a real possibility), and on a couple of memorable occasions he witnesses first hand the outcome of his work. All the stories are good, and four of them really pack a punch (The Hairless Mexican, The Traitor, His Excellency, and Mr Harrington's Washing). The book ends on a dramatic and unexpected note. It's a minor masterpiece.

Next, as the Bright Young Things fiction choice for Xmas 2012, I read....

2. Christmas Holiday

A clever, readable and entertaining book. Deceptively simple. W Somerset Maugham uses the contrasting personalities of Charley and Simon to highlight some of the profound and disturbing changes taking place in mainland Europe during the late 1930s (when he wrote the story). W Somerset Maugham was remarkably prescient about the horrors and inhumanity that was about to unfold. And, despite this, the book is very readable - giving the reader insights into Russian refugees living in Paris, convicts, and a lower middle class French family adapting to the death of the father during World War One. The characters of Simon and Robert Berger are particularly interesting and well drawn, and Lydia makes an enigmatic, complex cypher for the book's more philosophical points.

And, yesterday, I finished...

3. Of Human Bondage

Like life at its best, this book is long and sprawling, combining themes that inspired in me delight, curiosity, insight, frustration, melancholy, and revelation.

Philip's tale, which mirrors Maugham's own life, is a journey I feel privileged to have shared. This is a long book and so something of an undertaking however I felt joy and satisfaction when I'd completed this book. There were parts of the book that I was bored and frustrated by however I am very pleased I stuck with it. I would not recommend this as a starting point for someone new to Maugham, however I now fully appreciate why many describe it as his masterpiece as it's touching, profound, and beautiful. I wish I'd read it when I was a teenager.

Conclusion

So having read three books by WSM I conclude that they all share similar qualities: beguiling, well written, insightful, intriguing, informative, entertaining, and quietly profound. I am now intent on reading all his works.

Unlike many of his contemporaries he wrote in a simple and accessible style, eschewing Modernist experimentation, and his books are all the better for it. He's rocketed into my list of all time favourite writers.

Which WSM book would you recommend I read next?

Ashenden is the first spy novel which treats spying as an institution and as an ordinary job of work. Kipling's Kim comes close, but Kim was still part of the adventure of the Great Game. We are in the presence of one of the Great Originals here.

Personally, I like the stories better than the (other) novels.

Thanks Charles. I'll investigate some stories. Which collections would you recommend?

What else would other readers and BYTers recommend?

Maugham stories. I don't have much of a preference -- my copy is a two-volume complete ed. from years ago. I suppose from the individual books as originally published it would be those in East and West.

Thanks again Charles. There's an 848 page behemoth in my local library..



Collected Stories

31 of the c.120 short stories he wrote which contains...

- In a Strange Land
- Rain
- The Fall of Edward Barnard
- The Pool
- Mackintosh
- The Happy Couple
- The Unconquered
- Before the Party
- The Yellow Streak
- The Vessel of Wrath
- The Force of Circumstande
- The Alien Corn
- Virtue
- The Bum
- The Treasure
- The Colones's Lady
- The Human Element
- Footprints in the Jungle
- The Book-bag
- The Back of Beyond
- Mayhew
- Mirage
- The Letter
- The Outstation
- Red
- Miss King
- The Hairless Mexican
- Giulia Lazzari
- The Traitor
- His Excellency
- Sanatorium

I must confess to being daunted by an 848 page book.

I'm poised to start Up At The Villa so will let you know how I get on. My fourth book by W. Somerset Maugham. So far he's always delivered something special.

Up At The Villa by W. Somerset Maugham.

A pleasing - if slight - tale. This is the fourth book I have read by W. Somerset Maugham, and follows Of Human Bondage, Ashenden and Christmas Holiday which were all excellent. I am now intent on reading all his works.

This is a long short story, or a short novel, and I read it in less than a day, and really enjoyed it.

The other books I have read by W. Somerset Maugham were, to one degree or another, autobiographical. I doubt this contains any biography - although the location (Florence and the surrounding countryside) are doubtless drawn from first-hand experience.

The story manages to touch on love, tragedy, violence, loyalty, career, responsibility, politics, and refugees. W. Somerset Maugham manages to pack a lot of plot into just 120 pages.

3/5

Just noticed this thread -- Maugham is one my favorite short story writers. I often retread his stories. Currently, though, am retreading the wonderful Cakes and Ale. It's such a pleasure.

Carla wrote: Currently, though, am retreading the wonderful Cakes and Ale. It's such a pleasure. "

I will be embarking on that one soon Carla - for the first time. I have hight hopes.

Always good to be meet a fellow WDM devotee.

Oh, both The Moon and Sixpence and Cakes and Ale are among WSM's treasures -- his storytelling gifts on full display, not a shred of sentimentality.

Hurrah. Two I've still yet to read. It's a good to know there's still treasures aplenty to look forward to.

We nearly voted to read "Cakes.." in June. It just missed out to Zelda Fitzgerald.

Nigeyb wrote: "Hurrah. Two I've still yet to read. It's a good to know there's still treasures aplenty to look forward to.

We nearly voted to read "Cakes.." in June. It just missed out to Zelda Fitzgerald."

I think we alredy read the moon and sixpence. I liked it.

Cakes and Ale was one of my mother's favorites-- I have a beautiful edition of it.

Oooh, would love to see the cover of that edition Carla.

A copy of Cakes and Ale is now waiting for me in my local library.



I've got three other books to read before I can make a start on it....

One is for my real life book group (The Talented Mr. Ripley), and the other two are the June fiction (Save Me The Waltz) and non-fiction (The Long Week End: A Social History of Great Britain, 1918-1939) choices for Bright Young Things.

So many books, so little time.

I have lots of first editions, mainly of Evelyn Waugh, some of which are no longer in print or at least in the US. (Waugh being my model of peerless prose.).

But I think you can get Cakes and Ale for free on an iPad, through iBooks. I got The Magician, which I read recently -- early work, but entertaining nevertheless.

Nigeyb wrote: "Oooh, would love to see the cover of that edition Carla.

A copy of Cakes and Ale is now waiting for me in my local library.



I've got three other books to read ..."

Cakes and Ale was one of my favorite Maughams.

Now that I have 3 lovely volumes of W. Somerset Maugham's short stories courtesy of Barter Books in Alnwick I'll be re-visiting this thread!

Ally and Jennifer, does BYT have a discussion thread section for Plays of the BYT era?
Now that I'm seriously in Maugham mode, reading the short stories, I dusted off some titles from the shelves which I haven't read but have had for years. One is For Services Rendered, and, The Letter, and, Home and Beauty which are three plays, one of which was extremely successful and famous, For Services Rendered

These plays would be just up BYT's street.

From the book synopsis -
Proud of his association with commercial theatre, rather than with drama as an art, Maugham amused and diverted his audiences with good stories and glittering sardonic wit, which made a permanent contribution to the English stage.

For Services Rendered is one of Maugham's most famous plays. Set on their house in a small country town in Kent, it details the doings of a solicitor and his wife, their married and unmarried family.

The Letter is the tragedy of a wife's infidelity set in Malaysia.

In Home and Beauty, a farce set in London, a woman finds herself the wife of two men and the subject of the affections of a third.

Anyone interested in discussing some of Maugham's plays?

I'll sort out a plays section this evening...there's some good ones to choose from.

While picking up the kindle edition of Rain and Other South Sea Stories - I discovered the print was too small in my print edition - I found a novelette of Maugham's that sounded interesting, Before the Party. A widow returns from Borneo and supposedly her husband died there. But she has no pictures of him and never talks of him. There is a question: did he die naturally or was he murdered?

Sky Arts currently has a documentary showing On Demand - Revealing Mr Maugham. I missed the beginning when I came across it this morning, so am currently downloading it to watch over the holidays.

^ Thanks Susan


I also notice its being repeated on 30 Dec 2015 @ 4:20am - 6am
Sky Arts...

http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dwh...

Sadly I don't have Sky Arts

I think it is an old documentary, so hopefully it will turn up somewhere - YouTube possibly.

I hope so - it looks great

The new Bernie Gunther novel out next year The Other Side of Silence: Bernie Gunther 11 features our own Mr Maugham. Looks fab - something to look forward to in 2016!

^ Yes indeed Susan. Very intriguing and exciting.

On this day, 1874, William Somerset Maugham, English playwright, novelist and short story writer was born




25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965

There is a great collection of early to mid career Maugham (due to copyright issues) in Delphi Classics' digital collection:
https://smile.amazon.com/Delphi-Colle...



It includes (with 5,000+ pages):

The Novels
LIZA OF LAMBETH
THE MAKING OF A SAINT
THE HERO
MRS CRADDOCK
THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
THE BISHOP’S APRON
THE EXPLORER
THE MAGICIAN
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
THE MOON AND SIXPENCE

The Short Stories
INTRODUCTION TO THE SHORT STORIES
THE SHORT STORIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
THE SHORT STORIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

The Plays
A MAN OF HONOUR
LADY FREDERICK
JACK STRAW
MRS DOT
PENELOPE
THE EXPLORER
THE TENTH MAN
LANDED GENTRY
THE LAND OF PROMISE
THE UNKNOWN
THE CIRCLE
CAESAR’S WIFE
EAST OF SUEZ

Selected Non-Fiction
THE LAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
ON A CHINESE SCREEN

Reading Cakes and Ale this month has triggered my interest in Maugham as a person as well as his works. I am thinking about reading Liza of Lambeth at this point to get a feel for his earliest writing. It is always fun to get a sense of how writers change over time, if you know what I mean....

I also have my eyes on The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham: A Biography by Selina Shirley Hastings. Do we occasionally read author biographies in the group? It seems to be a book that covers his life and times in an eloquent and interesting fashion. Reviews:
""[Hastings] provides a searing emotional history…so powerfully written, in places so shocking, as to give a series of physical jolts to the reader. Hasting's book cannot be bettered." –Sunday Telegraph

"Brilliant…Every so often, a biography appears of such authority and such power that it is more than a chronicle of a human life, it is a work of art…Such is Selina Hastings' skill that this horrible story is richly enjoyable."—A. N. Wilson, Reader's Digest

"A sensitive and sympathetic biography."—Sunday Times

"Pitch-perfect: supple, confident and written with something of the same beady detachment (and enjoyable signature streak of malice) as the great tale-teller himself." –Nicholas Shakespeare, Daily Telegraph

"The places and people she describes are portrayed with such graphic clarity and assurance. She sets a scene or establishes a personality with great economy and intensity."—Observer

"An impressively perceptive and often moving account of an extraordinarily interesting man."—Literary Review

"Excellent…wholly convincing and always interesting…an outstanding biography."—Scotsman

I think we may have read The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham: A Biography. Or else it may have been a hot read. But I don't think there was much participation so that probably shouldn't dissuade you from nominating it.

I know it is still sitting on my shelf, pretty much unread.