The Painted Veil - When compared to Maugham's opus [Of Human Bondage], this book might seem trivial. But Maugham's subtlety and keen eye in characterization are on full display in the smaller story. Kitty, unhappy in her marriage to aloof, overly scientific Walter, engages in an affair with Charlie, the cad of British Hong Kong. When Walter discovers the infidelity, he gives Kitty a choice, accompany him to the cholera-infected countryside or he'll sue for a divorce. Kitty, certain Charlie will divorce his own wife and take her in, takes the proposal to him. But Charlie wants nothing of it, and Kitty has to agree to go with Walter. Kitty's perspective is altered in the dire circumstances she finds. Among all the wonders of Maugham's work here is his ability to convincingly write from a female perspective.

Fair warning, there are some attitudes and language used in reference to the Asian population that, while appropriate to the times, might offend some.

4 bones!!!! ( )

The Maugham Reader offers an excellent overview of the works of Somerset Maugham. I found it after having read Of Human Bondage, and it helped spawn in me a lifelong appreciation and love for his fiction and other writings. As compared to other Maugham collections, this compilation has the unusual feature of including short stories, novels, and plays, as well as art criticism ("El Greco") and Maugham's magnificent essay "The Summing Up." Thus, it can introduce readers to the astonishing scope of Somerset Maugham's literary output, and make the serious reader hunger for more.

The two full novels contained in this reader are "The Painted Veil" and "The Christmas Holiday"; the former is commonly considered one of Maugham's best (and provided the basis for a recent film that will be known to many readers). Two plays are included, both comedies: "The Constant Wife" (1926) and "Our Betters" (1923). In addition are 14 short stories, including some that I would rank among his very best work in the genre. These stories are: "The Door of Opportunity", "The Outstation", "The Facts of Life", "A String of Beads", "Jane", "September's Bird", "The Treasure", "Red", "The Alien Corn", "The Round Dozen", "The Vessel of Wrath", "The Opium Addict" (usually published as "The Mirage"), "The French Governor" (published elsewhere as "Marriage of Convenience") and his best known story, "Rain". Of special note is Maugham's "The Summing Up", a contemplative work of deep insight, sensitivity, and wisdom. This compilation is introduced by a 19 page introduction by Glenway Wescott that gives an overview of Maugham's life to that point (1947) and his place in the worlds of literature and writing.

I highly recommend this compilation as a broad introduction to Somerset Maugham's life's work. For those unable to obtain a copy (since the book is out of print), the stories and essays it includes are available in other formats. ( )