Cakes and Ale

By: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrated by: James Saxon

When Cakes and Ale was first published in 1930 it roused a storm of controversy, since many people imagined they recognised portraits of literary figures now no more. It is the novel for which Maugham wished to be remembered.

©2009 W. Somerset Maugham (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Somewhat dated for a modern audience but still Maugham

I think this story must have an interest to people at the time it was published who wanted to know more about this Driftfield author. Wiki tells me it was Thomas Hardy, whom I've never read but perhaps I will now. I think this is my least favorite of Maugham's books so far. Some of his reflections are a bit stale in this text and he less pokes fun at British classism than he does indulge it. But I do like the story overall.

Love Maugham

Takes you to a place and time like you were there, and so wonderfully written

A bit mercenary with Hugh Walpole

A bit mercenary with Hugh Walpole... Don't have to use a sledge hammer to point out character flaws.

In spite of myself I liked the story so well I could hardly stop listening. The narrator is excellent, 90 out of 100.

One of Maugham's lighter and lesser novels

I love Somerset Maugham. This isn't his best but is still good and the performance is very convincing.

Absolutely love this book

Love all his works - but this one in particular with its bitchinesses, snobbery and social cultural insights of that time - I like this type of book