Of Human Bondage

by W. Somerset Maugham 

Review of Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham

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       I remember when i first picked the book up and I thought it would take about five to six months to read it. The book is about 650 pages and I was very busy at the time so I thought it would take forever to read. Surprisingly, I read the book in less than a month. This is an amazing story that's so real and tragic. 

      It's about Philip Carey, a boy born with a club foot who loses his parents and is brought up by a cold uncle and a weak--if slightly loving aunt. Early on in his life you begin to see unhealthy relationships with other school boys. He lacks confidence and becomes clingy with any boy that shows him any interest. As he gets older his relationships with other boys becomes more strained. Through an odd and hilarious affair with an older woman Philip gains worldly culture and decides to pursue the life of an artist abroad in Germany and Paris and ultimately dreams of going to Spain. As the story progresses and he lives the meager and self effacing life of an artist one of his instructors honestly tells him he has no future in art. Philip is at first mad but then is thankful for the man's honesty and also thankful that he did not waste his life away on something that wasn't truly meant to be. So he moves back to London and studies medicine. During this time he meets Mildred Rogers, a skinny, plain-looking waitress  who he falls madly in love with. Only problem is she is not in love with him. In fact she despises him.  

       I don't want to spoil the rest of the novel by explaining what happens next but it is deep, ironic, sad, and at times infuriating. His obsession with this woman made me feel really sorry for him because throughout this novel you wish that he would find someone to love him.

       Overall this is a classic novel and should've been higher on this list. I give it a 9.5 out of 10. This is a truly great book.

Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham was reviewed by Frank Manner

       Phillip with his club foot can never seem to get it right.  Im surprised to see this book on this list and at the same time appaled that it did not rank higher.  This is in fact my all time favorite book. 

       Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham follows the life of Phillip Carey from the time that his mother dies when he is a small child through school and into adulthood.  I just so happened to read this book at the right time in my life where I could relate to poor Phil and all his troubles.  At times you'll love him and at times you'll absolutely hate him.  That's what makes a good book right?

Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham was reviewed by JuneBug

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