Scott’s Reviews > The Best Short Stories of W. Somerset Maugham > Status Update

The Treasure is the first one that has stood out as a bit upsetting. It has Maugham's typically masterful pacing and writing, but the take-away about the main characters are quietly upsetting. Hard to see the actual point of this story, really. Maybe it was charming back in the 1930's, but now seems sadly elitist.

The Facts of Life is yet another good one. Uses conventions of suspense tales to play with us readers, then drops an unexpected conclusion that is deeper and more thoughtful than you could anticipate.

The story "The Voice of the Turtle" was a really good one. Another measured tale that defines a character, but then adds an unexpected dimension to her and the way the narrator feels about her. Great stuff.

Can't say I didn't see the twist coming at the end of "The Round Dozen." Good story, though.