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stanro's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Maugham writes with the effortlessness of someone with a a well-practiced and acute talent with language.
Maugham uses the device of having an (initially) young author relate the tale of his entanglement with Charles Strickland, who, at the time the tale is told to us, is renowned for his art. But at the time in which the tale commences, our narrator is to encounter Strickland over a period of about 7-8 years, during which, Gauguin-like, Strickland abandons his comfortable middle class family life to pursue his dreams.
Our narrator, apparently Maugham himself, without actually naming himself within the tale, gets to know him quite well and concludes “Strickland was an odious man, but I still think a great one.”
The book is thus a study of this “odious man” and how his disregard for the opinion of others frees him to pursue his art. As such, questions about what is art and to some extent, what is the best artistic medium for its expression, are raised and examined.
There is more to this Strickland’s “odious” character than merely its exposition. A number of the others who appear personify some heart-warming and life-affirming traits - devotion, love and compassion chiefly among them, and also discipline, decency and fellowship - all largely absent in Strickland.
Published in 1919, the book occasionally creaks with the age of largely obsolete attitudes and practices. These range from the widespread smoking of tobacco to casual racism to, shockingly, a brief interlude of conversation between our narrator author and a woman he met, who talked approvingly of being on the receiving end of domestic violence, for such activity by her first husband demonstrated his passion. Her second husband had not acted that way and how could she trust such a man? And then, briefly, a similar statement is attributed to another woman.
A caution if reading this brings you to read the book. The publisher’s blurb contains too many spoilers for my liking. Beware!
The writing is good. Very good. The story, barely chronologically contextualised other than being well post-WW1, is certainly interesting. #areadersjourney
annasar's review
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jochristian's review
5.0
Love the style the biographical memoir Whitstable come in right at the end. like the tale of the Jewish doctor
gracehale5's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
balo's review
4.0
Strickland leaves his family behind to pursuit his passion in painting. Loosely based on painter Paul Gauguin.
artistformallyknownasbeefpussy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
thisisstephenbetts's review against another edition
5.0
Very impressive book. Loosely based on the life of Paul Gauguin, it is an examination of the compulsion to create art, regardless of the personal cost. The main character, Charles Strickland, is exceedingly dislikeable - he verges on the sociopathic - but is also admirable in some ways. The narrator too has his moral weakness - in particular, his fascination with Strickland and inability to wholly condemn his more egomanical excesses - so there are no moral centres in the book. The characters can also display breathtaking misogyny, and (comparatively mild) racism, although whether those are also the attitudes of Maugham is impossible tell (one suspects - and hopes - not).
The passages about the nature of art, and the drive to create, are beautiful and compelling. The story of Strickland's life is fascinating too, and some of the writing is wonderful. And, it has to be said, all Strickland's misanthrophy and selfishness make for a tremendously compelling read. Maybe I shouldn't judge the narrator's fascination too harshly.
The passages about the nature of art, and the drive to create, are beautiful and compelling. The story of Strickland's life is fascinating too, and some of the writing is wonderful. And, it has to be said, all Strickland's misanthrophy and selfishness make for a tremendously compelling read. Maybe I shouldn't judge the narrator's fascination too harshly.
luciadrf_'s review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
not my favourite, pacing was strange and i found it hard to enjoy the subject since he was so insufferable