Title: The Painted Veil Author: W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965)
First Published: 1925
My Edition: Vintage International (Seen at left)
Pages: 246
Other Works Include: The Magician (1908), Of Human Bondage (1915), The Razor's Edge (1944)
I had to replace one of the titles on my book list, since I had a repeat. James Joyce's "The Dead" is a short story found in The Dubliners, so there was no reason to have it on my list twice. Since I had nothing by Maugham on my list, I asked Amanda at The Zen Leaf for her recommendation on which Maugham title to add. I had never read anything by him before and since she has reviewed quite a few of his titles, I figured she would know where to begin.
She suggested The Painted Veil as a great place to start instead of the more well-known Of Human Bondage, so on to the list it went! When I went to go get a copy, I read the "blurb" and knew I needed to read it right away. There is something about this novel that is calling to me. I love the main character's name, Kitty Fane, and the setting in Hong Kong. I am expecting great things from a book that is "...a beautifully written affirmation of the human capacity to grow, to change, and to forgive."
Have you read anything by Maugham? What did you think?
Well I already know what your reaction this this one was, but I'm still looking forward to your book thoughts!!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to read any Maugham, but I read about him on Amanda's blog. I was at a charity shop a couple of weeks ago and saw The Moon and Sixpence by him and picked it up, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I'm excited to hear your thoughts on this one.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a copy of the Painted Veil, but I haven't had any luck in that department. I did see the movie, though, and I completely loved it. I can't wait to read what you think. :)
ReplyDeleteActually I am currently reading it, or at least trying to squeeze a few pages in-between other novels I am trying to finish. So far it looks very promising. When I first got the book I was a bit surprised how relatively short it was! I should really finish it already!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your thoughts on the book.
I haven't read this novel yet, although it is definitely on my TBR. I have read two works by Maugham and I loved them both! I read Of Human Bondage January of last year, and it is one of my favorite books of all time. I also read The Razor's Edge a few months ago and enjoyed it as well, although Of Human Bondage was more enjoyable for me. Hope you enjoy Maugham!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was ok. Read it after LOVING the movie, and as always, I should have done it the other way around. The book tops my list of Movies-better-than-book list. Looking forward to seeing what you think!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by him but I really want to! This is at the top of my list--too bad everything on that list just seems to get pushed back further and further. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've loved Maugham since I first read Of Human Bondage back in college (since a boy on whom I had a huge crush insisted that I read it. Things didn't work out with him, but I still owe him a debt for introducing me to Maugham.) I loved the Painted Veil, it's one of my favorite Maugham works. OHB is also great, and I really liked Up at the Villa, which is super short, a novella really. On Amanda's recommendation I have copies of Mrs. Craddock and Theater waiting on the TBR shelf.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I loved the movie adaptation of The Painted Veil. A bit different but I think it captures the essence of the book. It's also beautifully filmed and the soundtrack is lovely.
I'm really looking forward to this book and am eager to see your review. A friend of mine absolutely loves his Cakes and Ale.
ReplyDeleteI read Of Human Bondage in college as well, but haven't read anything else by him. I do have The Painted Veil on my shelf and absolutely loved the movie.
ReplyDeleteAnd seriously Allie....where in the heck are you finding the time to read all of these books this month! I must be mismanaging my time, for reals! :)
Christina, Allie is a super fast reader. I mean it is very intimidating to read along side of her. I never knew that my love of books was going to do this to her-honestly. LOL. She loves to read. She reads about 3 pages to my every 1. No kidding.
ReplyDeleteBetty (MOM)
Hi Allie,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have Of Human Bondage on my shelf, somehow - for all these years - I've never read it. I also have "Mr. Maugham Himself," which I think is excerpts from his diaries(?). Maybe someone else has heard of this. I really enjoyed the film adaptations of The Razor's Edge but havent read that either. All I've actually read is the lesser known "The Magician" - quirky but enjoyable. Have fun with The Painted Veil!
-Jay
Oh my goodness, I love this book. It's so subtle and wonderful-- I hope you absolutely love it. I felt quite the opposite than Alexandra, though. I thought the movie didn't do the book justice at all. The love between Kitty and Walter was completely wrong. It was still a gorgeous movie but I thought it really Hollywood-ized the book.
ReplyDeleteCakes of Ale and Theatre were both really good as well. I read his The Moon and Sixpence and wouldn't really recommend it. It was good, but not as good as his others that I've read.
I like this book a lot!
ReplyDeleteI think I will like Maugham. This one's on my list, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love Maugham, and The Painted Veil is wonderful. I always thought it would make a great opera. I think this cover image is not at all evocative of the contents.
ReplyDelete