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mousecat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Racism
Moderate: Death and Vomit
Minor: Death of parent
jedore's review against another edition
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Pregnancy, Colonisation, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Sexism, Medical content, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use and Classism
jlpearce06's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Vomit, Grief, and Pandemic/Epidemic
honeyapple's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Racism
sel_'s review against another edition
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!
It's a story I can highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Racism