Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

6 reviews

jedore's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“You know, my dear child, that one cannot find peace in work or in pleasure, in the world or in a convent, but only in one’s soul.”

Another book from the start of my TBR list more than two decades ago. Loved it! 

It had all the ingredients I treasure…history, a fascinating location, complex characters, shades of grey instead of black and white, emotional depth, women’s empowerment, and a reasonably unpredictable storyline. And, despite being a “classic,” it was a very easy and quick read. Right after I finish this review, I’m going to add more W. Somerset Maugham books to my list! 

Watching the film adaptation with Ed Norton and Naomi Watts on Netflix now and it’s also good!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

jlpearce06's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

definitely_not_hitler's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lipka's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

museaway's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my favorite book. I re-read it every few years and my feelings toward it evolve as I get older. I like the movie adaptation just fine, but the book's ending is so much more satisfying, even though Kitty gets to deliver that zinger in the film. 

The book is about a woman who has been defined by her looks since youth, coming to learn what's actually important to her--and who. 

Head's up for racism on Kitty's part when she's in China. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

sel_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Maugham takes the reader on a journey that follows a rather unlikeable protagonist who shows significant character growth throughout the story. Immoral behaviour, sickness, racism, and clash of values are all part of that story and make for a great read. It's definitely not a book where you should simply agree with the worldview the protagonist suggests but rather critically engange with what is written. 
It's a story I can highly recommend! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...