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Of Human Bondage

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Of Human Bondage

By: W. Somerset Maugham
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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Summary

One of the most widely read novels of the 20th century, W. Somerset Maugham's masterpiece, Of Human Bondage, gives a harrowing depiction of unrequited love. Philip Carey, a sensitive orphan born with a clubfoot, finds himself in desperate need of passion and inspiration. He abandons his studies to travel, first to Heidelberg and then to Paris, where he nurses ambitions of becoming a great artist.

Philip's youthful idealism erodes, however, as he comes face-to-face with his own mediocrity and lack of impact on the world. After returning to London to study medicine, he becomes wildly infatuated with Mildred, a vulgar, tawdry waitress, and begins a doomed love affair that will change the course of his life.

First published in 1915, the semi-autobiographical Of Human Bondage combines the values left over from the Victorian era with the prevailing irony and despair of the early 20th century. Unsentimental yet bursting with deep feeling, Of Human Bondage remains Maugham's most complete statement of the importance of physical and spiritual liberty, a theme that resounds more loudly than ever today.

Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor Classics Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Witty
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A slow burn classic.
A classic that is best enjoyed sipped like a fine wine.

Not for those looking for an exciting page turning plot but for those who love the English language, character examination and subtle dry humour.

A Proustian style Bildungsroman.

Stephen Crossly is one of the best narrators on Audible.

Beautifully written. Superb Narrator

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Great characters and wonderful story, read by Stephen Crossley my favourite narrator, very enjoyable listen,

Wonderful narrator

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I hear that this book is quite autobiographical. If so then Maugham was a horrible person!

Nevertheless a very absorbing listen. Very easy to follow, and undemanding.

A very absorbing story

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The period here is turn of last century and it’s still worth reading for the inside track of the classic stalker and for a practical account of somebody falling through the nets into homelessness well before today&s provisions, poor though they still are.

There are a couple of very weak links in the plot: the appalling Mildred suddenly turning soft when Philip plays the handicap gambit- could possibly have worked several chapters previously but not conceivably here: and the happy ending illustrates why Maugham was looked down upon as a popular author: in reality the kind of emotional damage Phillip suffers is surely irreparable from this stage, as is his sudden bonhomie within the medical profession! How does he suddenly find he can deal with the spikey Dr. South? But it’s worth reading to know this was considered his best novel! I’m not sure that it is but it’s insightful in places.

Still worth reading though rather long

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Absolutely stunning work of writing, I will think about it for months. Crossley was phenomenal.

Literature at its finest

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