A review by stanro
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham

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