Of Human Bondage

[Khethil]

I enjoyed doing the last one so much, thought I'd do another. I finished this a couple of weeks ago. *MINOR SPOILER*

Of Human Bondage
W. Somerset Maugham
ISBN: 978-1-59308-238-3
Publisher: Barnes and Nobles Classics

OVERVIEW: This is a rather imposing book; at 662 larger-paperback pages it takes a bit to read, but well worth it. If you're looking for action, adventure and exotic experiences, pass this one by. The story reads like a biography (which, supposedly was loosely based on the author's experienced) following young club-footed 'Phillip' from the day he is taken from the house where his mother's just died through his life up till he finds the girl of his dreams as a mature adult. As a matter of fact, the events described could very well fit into an episode of General Hospital or Another World. Written *beautifully*, you'll feel everything this man goes through. There are most-excellent insights into emotional quandries, financial woes, man's inhumanity towards man and other "towards the inner"-type themes. It reads well, but is a bit more wordy than necessary; fortunately, the style is consistent.

PRO'S:

• Coherent storytelling that's not just skin deep.
• Vocabulary masterfully used
• Emotional swells, well told
• Insights into 19th/early 20th century European culture and economy
• Stays with the reader mentally

CONS:

• Very long
• Despite language being well used, the author's effusive style can drag on
• Very few "large events" to hold reader's interest; be relaxed when you read this one

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Being set up for Life's Disappointments (pp 37)
• The morbid joy of self-loathing being realized and expressed (pp 51)
• Paradox of God's faithful (pp 56)
• First realization of reality's indifferent face (pp 129)
• Finding the beauty of life even in its most dank, abject condition (pp 150)
• Action (free will) or Reaction; realization of the latter (pp 228)
• Death of Fanny (hung herself, after starving), very touching (pp 254)
• The Over-Importance of Money in life (pp 270)
• The rage of jealousy; that first pinch of hurt when young (pp 407)
• Death and Christianity; reconciling the horror (pp 442)
• Perceived reality/happiness - making reality's bleakness unimportant (pp 446)
• Relationship of Truth, Beauty and Religion; intertwined (pp 472)
• Epiphany of a self-directed life's meaning (pp 478)
• Brutal truth of friendship as an ends and inevitable separation (pp 570)
• Realization of an Indifferent World and Life's Meaning (pp 571)

Rating (1-10): 8.5