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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

What listeners say about Of Human Bondage

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The master of the long story as well

Absolutely succinct use of language to describe so much. Really worth listening to this great classic. It is as relevant today as it was in 1915

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True to its title

A well written tale of self realisation. Read well although one character was read in a truly irritating fashion. But then again she was a truly irritating character.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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So disappointing.

I love The Razor’s Edge but this novel leaves me cold. It seems very dated with stilted dialogue and predictable story lines. The reader’s wussy, whining characterisation of Philip hasn’t helped. The moment I get the offer of a swap, I’ll be jumping ship.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story but annoying narrator

This is one of my favourite books but I cannot listen to this narrator any longer. Their impression of the voices of women and children is infuriating.

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    3 out of 5 stars

A depressing story

The main character appears as a weak and troubled soul. his obsession with the prostitute is very depressing.

The narration was very annoying. the pitch and word emphasis of female characters was not realistic. narrator drops hs voice at the end of many sentences making it hard to follow.

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