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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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About this listen

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

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All stars
Most relevant  
If you are going to devote over 25 hours of your life listening to a book it had better be worth it and my conclusion, having just finished the novel, is that it was time very well spent. It was also brilliantly read by Steven Crossley which is another essential quality of any good listen. The search for happiness and meaning in life are universal themes and as a listener we follow Phillip Carey on his often painful journey towards an understanding that living in the here and now, rather than the future, can provide happiness and meaning. I liked the ending because I had been rooting for Phillip all along and who is to say he didn't get to Spain and the Far East. I rather hope he did.

Maugham's Masterpiece

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A long Bildungsroman with influences from many other writers. Glad I didn’t live then, and certainly not in the south of England. Class remains a peculiar, complex, incomprehensible aspect of English life, but the misogyny of that era has softened- or been somewhat modified! The English sense of superiority to the rest of the human race, which was unashamed then, has renewed in the wake of Brexit, unfortunately.
The protagonist was orphaned in middle childhood and was born with a club foot, about which he is inordinately sensitive. He is contrary, often acting against his own best interests and good advice, which leads him into an unsettled adolescence and young adulthood. He can be kind and generous, but also calculating and cruel. The best bits for me are his medical studies and early professional life (since I’m a retired medic) but his indifference to his first experiences of the dissecting room and death do not resemble mine or those of my friends. He thinks too much, and feels too much in a chaotic way.

Hero/anti-hero?

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The narrator is brilliant. it’s a great performance, he really brings all the characters to life.
The novel is absorbing- so far I have enjoyed hearing about the twists and turns of Philip’s life. From a lonely orphan, through to his school days, adventures in Germany and Paris and his disastrous love life. I will be sad when it ends!

I love this audiobook!

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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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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 authors understanding of humankind, their failings and also their redeeming qualities, a study on what it is to be human.

We're all the same to some degree

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I can see that Morrissey has drawn much from this book. After a slow start, the book gets under your skin through its insights on life and beautiful wordmanship. Maugham is a genius. I wish I had met him.

Life

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Started thinking I'd never get through it. The reader has a slightly odd style that didn't always seem to fit. Glad I persevered as this is a great story, apparently partly based on Maughan's life. Quite a lot of art jargon and many words from the dictionary that aren't heard anymore. I was sad when it finished.

Thought provoking

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A beautiful and thought provoking story about the involuntary nature of love and human attachment. Love given, love desired, love unrequited and love unwanted.

A realistic and unromantic story about love and passion

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Is there a better book in the English language? Seriously? Maugham is the master, and this book is utterly timeless. It changed my life.

The Jewel in the Crown of England's Glory

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