A review by museaway
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

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. 
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