Of Human Bondage

By: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

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

Perfect novel

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. My first read by WSM, and not my last. Expected it to be somewhat dated, but it instead it was a perfect capsule of the time within which it was written. This is one of those marvelous finds within the Amazon Plus collection. Narration outstanding as well.

Beautifully Read

I don’t understand the criticisms of Steven Crossley’s performance. It is excellent and consistent throughout, and I never missed a word. (Perhaps some listeners aren’t used to English accents?) As for the novel, it’s a blow-by-blow roman a clef about a prickly young man who is his own worst enemy. Lonely and anhedonic, he repels potential friends while enslaving himself to a horrible grifter who ruins him financially. Along the way he manages to become a doctor, finding satisfaction for the first time. He also meets a good woman and falls in love, sort of, The happy ending feels fake, but otherwise the book held my attention.

I loved every moment if this!

What a timeless tale, told with imagery and color! I highly recommend this beautiful book!

Magnificent!

A tour de force of the human spirit. Can’t wait to see the movie starring Bette Davis!

Amazing

I love this book for its depth exploring the meaning of life. The characters, particularly Mildred, are riveting. Like a Persian carpet, this book is intricately woven with many strands that come together beautifully in the end. I highly recommend it.