The Painted Veil

De: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrado por: Sophie Ward

Duración: 7 h y 21 m

Resumen del Editor

This is the story of Kitty Fane, the adulterous wife of a bacteriologist stationed in Hong Kong. When her husband discovers her deception, he exacts a terrible vengeance: Kitty must accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic in China.

©2006 W. Somerset Maugham (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[Maugham is] the modern writer who has influenced me the most." (George Orwell)
"An expert craftsman....His style is sharp, quick, subdued, casual."( The New York Times)
" The Painted Veil, with its sadness, its moral tension, its irony and compassion, its building evocations of lust and terror and remorse, is a work of art." ( Spectator)

A shallow woman's discovery of her shallowness

Wonderful writing as usual for Maugham, but a rather simple tale of a shallow, cloying woman's discovery of her own shallowness..

A beautiful story read by a beautiful voice

It’s a great story. I read this book while I am listening to this. Sophie has done a great job.

Quite a Turner

You turn opinions on the characters. The story has your head turning in surprise. And even you yourself might turn something over at the end of it.

Better than the movie

I was very taken with the movie of "The Painted Veil." While I still think the film very fine, this novella proves itself better precisely in those places where the film-makers altered the story. Kitty never becomes perfect, and the ending is hopeful, not triumphant. The reading, too, is very well done. Good male voices, as well as the female.

Great reader -- OK story

It was the reader that drew me in. I listened to the ten minute sample and I was hooked. The story is not gripping all the way through. Some of the characters stay frustratingly distant, but Kitty grows and deepens with every page, and watching her navigate her world is fascinating.

Kitty becomes human

Judy
This book is truly about the transformation of a spirit- or the discovery of one. I don't want to be a spoiler so I'll only say- read it- bear with it. It is a worthwhile journey.

Great story, moving and satisfying.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Painted Veil to be better than the print version?

Yes. It is so beautifully read, like listening to a play.

What other book might you compare The Painted Veil to and why?

Perhaps Wuthering Heights as it has great characters and an atmospheric quality.

Have you listened to any of Sophie Ward’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't but would certainly do so again.

If you could take any character from The Painted Veil out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Not sure.

Any additional comments?

A beautifully told story of a shallow young woman who learns what is important in life through hardship and the self-giving lives of some French nuns. I thought the ending touching and satisfying, without being sentimental.

A novel about personal growth

STORY - (British Classic) Occasionally I'll hear a classic when I'm in the mood for a beautifully descriptive, simple story with deep character development. The Painted Veil is simple, well told and enjoyable, but I wish there had been more descriptions of this area of China and its people.

The main thrust of the book is Kitty's transformation after she and Walter (husband) move to a cholera-stricken region and she volunteers in a convent/hospital. Lots of character development. There are some sad undertones, but the book is not dark.

PERFORMANCE - Well done, nice French accents for the nuns.

OVERALL - This book is probably more for women, as it's mostly about Kitty's thoughts, feelings and her personal growth. Classics aren't my favorite genre, so it takes a great one to get 4 or 5 stars from this reviewer. This one was just okay.

Magnificent

Now I know why classics are masterpieces.... brilliant and heart wrenching.... wise and magnificent in scope.... this is how art informs and reflects life in all its many mysteries... unforgettably beautiful.

Wonderful

He is of course one of the greatest writers of all time. It’s full of human conflict, great detail of a foreign country and last but not least redemption of the human spirit