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The Moon and Sixpence Audiobook
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(4.00) - 5,754 listener ratings
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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)
The Moon and Sixpence Listener Reviews
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pat, 5/2/2015
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" 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, 12/5/2013 -
" the book that had lighted my age "
— Toni, 11/21/2013 -
" Maugham so finely treasured flowers of emotions of an artist that bloomed so naturally in all wilderness...and lead us to the root that we truly belong.....I love it...since my teenage...and will continue to love it....till the end.... "
— Saibal, 9/7/2013 -
" Hideously ugly within, man is plagued by his never satisfied/ing obsession to create beauty in his art. Very uncomfortable read, but maybe I'll be more forgiving to unpleasant people - they probably just have an inner unsatisfied artist tormenting them. "
— Nancy, 7/15/2013 -
" Not my usual type of book. Strange story of an artist. A compelling and fast read. "
— Teresa, 3/30/2013 -
" What's the value of art?Why some artists pursue his goal with all his life?The narration is cool. "
— Jemgus, 3/26/2013 -
" This book was a little different than other books I have read but really enjoyed it. "
— Barbara, 3/1/2013 -
" for the love of god, bring me a coconut. "
— dead, 7/31/2012 -
" The life story of Paul Gaughan is is certainly reflected in his paintings and sculptures-intense,bold and driven "
— Marjorie, 6/29/2012 -
" I'm a Big Fan of Maugham but i consider this the weakest of what i've read by him. It's about a Gauguin-type artist's life, as portrayed by the narrator who across him over the years. "
— madrano, 3/5/2012 -
" wrapped this one up here in Bali, Indonesia. Maugham is my fav and I coicindentally read his work any time I'm in SE Asia. "
— nooshisooshi, 7/30/2011 -
" Quick read about the nature and driving passion behind an artist, and what impulsive things they do to people around them for the sake of creativity. An impressive read, and one that is only too relevant in every aspect. "
— Hadrian, 6/12/2011 -
" Read a review on the garden that highly underrated the book. The plot is hardly interesting, given the times we live in, where a man leaving his wife and family to discover himself is hardly new... but the writing, the writing! The genius of Maugham! "
— Aarthi, 3/24/2011 -
" I just love the way W. Somerset Maugham writes: All gentleman-like even about the most debauched subjects. This is a good book for those in career transition or studying midlife change. Paul Guaguin did a honey of an about face in his life. Read it and weep. "
— Renee, 3/24/2011 -
" fascinating. the main character is amazing and unique. "
— Olga, 2/15/2011
About W. Somerset Maugham
William 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.
About Michael Page
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.