One of W. Somerset Maugham’s best-known and well-loved novels
The Moon and Sixpence is a fictionalized biography of the artist Paul Gauguin. Charles Strickland, a thinly veiled Gauguin, deserts his wife and children to become a painter. In Paris, he is indifferent to the friendship offered by a fellow artist, Dirk Stroeve, but it is Stroeve and his wife Blanche who take Strickland in when he falls ill. It is only a matter of time before Strickland again devastates those around him by running away with Blanche. Will he reform his ways for the chance at a suitable life with Blanche, or will be abandon her as well?
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"Reading this book, my first time reading Maugham, I do understand why he is no longer widely read compared to other English writers of the early 20th century. The narrative is highly character-driven, with minimal action, and most of the characters are, frankly, detestable. However, I found this novel interesting if read as a study in the genders at their very worst. The dialogue and actions of the female characters reveals an acute misogyny; however, even as a feminist, I was struck by how accurate I found many of the observations of female behavior. Of course, the men in the novel are widely despicable themselves, particularly Strickland, based closely on the notoriously misanthropic Paul Gauguin. This book is a museum of the grotesque, but I found the characters interesting because they were caricatures of both men and women's worst qualities--and not inaccurate ones. It was a very quick read, and worth a look if you've never read Maugham before or are interested in gender or character study."
— Rachel (4 out of 5 stars)
" One of the better Maughams. I loved reading about art, even though Maugham was merciless about Gaughin's life. (Somerset Maugham) "
— Mickey, 2/17/2014" hated Charles Strickland like the selfish Undine Spragg. "
— Susan, 2/17/2014" Maugham is my favorite author. I fear his name and reknown might make his books seem unapproachable and difficult to read because they are considered English literature. Not so! I love his books because while they are obviously fine writing, they are so easy to read and understand. So much "literature" is written in obscure style-to me anyway- Maugham writes clearly and beautifully. "
— Buff, 1/18/2014" Love all of Maugham's works. "
— Russell, 1/13/2014" the amazing and destructive gaugin! "
— Ashley, 1/6/2014" An engaging - but at times verbose - exploration of inspiration and its discontents "
— Nathan, 1/2/2014" As a relatively contemporary study this is fascinating to me and Maugham is a tremendous author but I get stuck on the narrator's powerful misogyny. There is societal commentary in there but underneath it all is an essential nastiness that I seem to remember from other of his works. "
— Billfaceb, 12/30/2013" For the longest time, this book says nothing. Nothing grates and irritates. Then, all in a sudden, LIV, and it says everything. Intentional? I can sum it up in three words: genius describing genius. "
— Troy, 12/26/2013" Lord Jim with an artistic trajectory and more vigor; of course not much like Lord Jim at all except vague parallels such as islands, outcasts and awesomeness. "
— 1.1, 12/25/2013" One of my favorites. Maugham seems to really understand human nature and artistic personalities. For anyone who has ever thought of throwing it all away and moving somewhere tropical, a very interesting book. "
— Lori, 12/5/2013William Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was born in Paris, the son of a British embassy official, and grew up in England. He studied medicine and officially qualified as a doctor before turning to writing. One of the twentieth century’s most popular novelists as well as a celebrated playwright, critic, and short-story writer, he also served as a secret agent for the British during World War I.
Michael Page has been recording audiobooks since 1984 and has over two hundred titles to his credit. He has won numerous Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. As a professional actor, he has performed regularly since 1998 with the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He is a professor of theater at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.