
Of Human Bondage
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Narrated by:
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Charlton Griffin
About this listen
Of Human Bondage is one of the greatest novels of modern times, and it is certainly Maugham's greatest achievement. It was published in 1914, when Maugham was at the height of his creative powers. The story concerns Philip Carey, afflicted at birth with a club foot, and his passionate search for truth in a cruel world. We follow his growth to manhood, his educational progress, his first loves, and the wrenching tragedies and disappointments that life has in store for him. In some of the finest prose of the 20th century, Maugham has presented us with the timeless story of one man's search for the meaning of life.
One of the main themes of the novel is the concept of ambivalence: how we are simultaneously attracted to - and repulsed by - people, objects, thoughts, and actions. Although this was not a new concept in 1914, in the hands of Maugham it was raised to a pitch of literary perfection.
Maugham thought of himself essentially as an entertainer, not as a moral philosopher or preacher. There is in his work an objective cynicism that is almost shocking at times. It is almost embarrassing to read Maugham's frank description of Philip Carey's innermost thoughts and Mildred Roger's callous disregard for anything that does not contribute to her narrow sensuality. But in the end, it is as an entertainer that we enjoy Maugham. His lively conversations and vivid descriptions will keep you listening in fascination.
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Wonderful read!
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I have to be honest...this was a great novel
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Where does Of Human Bondage rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Dark but with all the fascinating complications of human relationships.What was one of the most memorable moments of Of Human Bondage?
Growth through painful defeats.What does Charlton Griffin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Love the English accent!Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Several times I was moved.Any additional comments?
Because I lead a busy life - I do not have the time to sit and read books like "Of Human Bondage" by Somerset Maugham. Through Audible I take my iPad to each room with me as I get my household chores completed. It is a delight to enter into the world of these classic novels through Audible.Yes - this is a masterpiece.
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Masterpiece
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M
A triumph of life lived
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Classic Novel
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A most glorious novel!
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I have also always been a fan of Maughm’s travel stories, but it has taken me 71 years to finally listen to this classic.
I found it beautifully written, painfully true, and deliciously smacking of life. I didn’t particularly like Mr. Griffin’s mannered British style of reading, which I found especially diminishing to the women, but I enjoyed the story tremendously and appreciated the central character of Phillip so much, that I ended up cherishing every single hour I listened.
Highly recommended. A literary and period classic. Maughm’s masterpiece.
What a long beautiful book
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Grew on me<br />
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One of the greats
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