Of Human Bondage
by W. Somerset Maugham
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Book Summary Information
Author: W. Somerset MaughamEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-06
ISBN: 0735101213
Number of pages: 774
Publisher: Replica Books
Book Reviews of Of Human Bondage
Book Review: Larger Than Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Of Human Bondage is a study of how life circumstances mold human behavior and thought. The story follows Philip Carey's life from birth to age 30. We see life through Philip's eyes to understand the experiences that shape the boy and the man. Through life's trials; disability, loss, deprivation, ridicule, friendships, love and achievement Philip grows and changes. He reveals in his human struggle bounded by his passions his desire to find a meaningful life.
Maugham's characters are writ large. Philip's uncle is not simply stern, but austere, coldly unemotional, miserly, and unsympathetic. Philip doesn't just have financial problems, but falls upon near starvation and homelessness. His girlfriend is not simply hurtful but calculatingly cruel, and devoid of human decency. Anthley cannot just be a jolly sort, but a verbose and bellowing character bursting with goodwill and humanity. Philip's actions and insights are sometimes disgustingly selfish and other times heartbreaking sincere and humble. He is fully and believably human.
After loving Maughams other works such as, The Razors Edge, Up at the Villa, Theatre I felt I must give Of Human Bondage another try. My first attempt failed as I did not have the patience to make through the sluggish first 200 pages of Philip's early years. After Philip goes off to Paris to pursue an artist's life, things really take off for both Philip and the reader. Though written almost a century ago the story is as relevant as ever and will be as long there are people taking life's journey. A full and absorbing tale deserving of it's classic status.
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