Play Audiobook Sample
The Moon and Sixpence Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.21) - 38 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Based on the life of Postimpressionist artist Paul Gauguin, The Moon and Sixpence builds on a long tradition of European writing about the South Pacific as an exotic locale. It also marks the transformation of British writer W. Somerset Maugham from celebrated playwright to accomplished novelist. In The Moon and Sixpence, Charles Strickland is a respectable London stockbroker who decides in middle age to abandon his wife and children and devote himself to his true passion: art. Strickland's destructive desire for self-expression takes him first to Paris to learn the craft of painting, and finally to Tahiti in the South Pacific. The Moon and Sixpence remains a complex and engaging novel echoing Maugham's own struggles between artistic expression and public respectability, and between his public persona and private life.
Download and start listening now!
"Very very readable. The male characters are wonderfully detailed and alive - less so the women, although the last vignette of the artist's wife is shudderingly realistic. The form of the book is not quite successful: there was too abrupt a shift from Paris to Tahiti, although subsequent chapters fill in the gaps. Other reviewers have suggested that Gaugin's life merely suggested this story, and indeed there are many differences introduced, but for the Tahiti section I had Gauguin in my mind's eye all the time. I'm not quite sure why I haven't given it 5 stars, because I couldn't put it down....if only I'd liked the persona of the narrator better!"
— Lucy (4 out of 5 stars)
The Moon and Sixpence Listener Reviews
-
" As good as the Razor's Edge. Story of Gauguin and his parcours as a normal person who then dedicated his life to becoming a painter. Makes me think of Maupassant. A pleasure to read and quite witty "
— cristina, 12/29/2013 -
" I really adore Maugham. The style, the feeling, the irony and honesty. Beautiful writing. "
— Paulin, 11/14/2013 -
" 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, 11/12/2013 -
" 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, 10/13/2013 -
" the amazing and destructive gaugin! "
— Ashley, 8/1/2013 -
" "You funny little man," said Strickland "
— Naomi, 7/8/2013 -
" Writing that has depth but maintains readability. The characters are really interesting, and the themes (human compassion, art, past/present, love) are threshed through in an extremely compelling way. I don't really know why I loved it so much, but it has definitely become one of my favorites. "
— Zachary, 4/12/2013 -
" I've wanted to read this book for many years, purely because I was attracted by the title! I had no idea what the story was about. I was so surprised, and thoroughly enjoyed this read! So much so that I read Maugham's 'Of Human Bondage' straight after!!! :-) "
— Mary, 3/7/2013 -
" Maugham once again has amazed me with his sharp wit, piercing insights into human character, and beautiful prose. "
— Cathy, 12/24/2012 -
" i reread this every now and again. i always enjoy maugham's first person narrations of misfits, this and Razor's Edge are perennial favorites. "
— Dianna, 10/22/2012 -
" My favorite book. Loose interpretation of artist Paul Gauguin's life. "
— Katherine, 8/7/2012 -
" This is probably my favorite Maugham so far. Although it is a quick read, I was left with the beautiful turns of phrases, imagery, and sadness that basically leaks from its core. Read it with Gaugin and his colors in mind, and you won't regret it. Highly recommended. "
— Hilary, 4/30/2011 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 Steven Crossley
Steven Crossley, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, has built a career on both sides of the Atlantic as an actor and audiobook narrator, for which he has won more than a dozen AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a nominee for the prestigious Audie Award. He is a member of the internationally renowned theater company Complicite and has appeared in numerous theater, television, film, and radio dramas.