Rating: 
Summary: A Favorite!
Review: This novel continues to probe issues which are prevalent in other SM novels. One finds the main character, Phillip Carey, questioning his place in the world as well as how his life should be lived - whether that should be dictated by his own wishes and desires, or those of society. Throughout the chronicles of his adventures the reader is confronted with a very thought provoking and existential examination of life. Maugham craftily addresses the role of fate versus choice, and presents a number of compelling philosophical representations of the human character (i.e. whether we are all born 'good' (a bit Rouseauean) or with flaws). Though my view may be a bit biased as I quite enjoy Somerset Maugham, I found this to be an EXCELLENT novel with astounding applicability to modern life.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: The beauty of the story is number one, the close analysis of human nature and two, the way things end for different characters. You do not see any hollywood here, where everything is perfect and works out just fine for everybody except the bad guys. No that is not the case. Rather everything comes to a logical end as it would most probably in real life. I read the novel the first time in high school and many times since, and see a lot of maturity and common sense lessons for life in the novel everytime. Enough has been written about Phillip's unrequited love, and Mildred. Let me point to the brutal yet great and honest advice the master painter gave to Phillip and Miss Price, which was that they do not have the natural talent for being artists, and for lack of that they would never be great just because of hard work alone. That whole presentation and setup is super. This part of the novel is a small yet significant building block, and the way Maugham ties all these blocks together is just magnificent. I would recommend this novel to anyone who would want to also think about what is read rather than just read to kill time at the departure gate at an airport.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Beautifully written, rich, deep, and thought-provoking. Although I found the ending somewhat unconvincing, the book is very much worthy of reading. I won't forget it anytime soon.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: I am an English Education Major at CSU, Chico and in high school I never got around to this book. Finally, this year, I picked it up and the only thing I regret is that I didn't read it sooner. The characters are multidimensional and supported with good background. I know that when I get into the classroom of my own, I will push this book as a must for all of my students!!!
Rating: 
Summary: slow at start but I felt had to finish it
Review: Started reading this book and it took a while to get used to the massive amount of detail given. I even quit in the middle of the book but then missed the characters. The last 300 pages I zoomed through. Philip the main character isn't necessarly the most agreeable guy, he is very dogmatic, but he plows thorough life with a determination that was inspriring to me. Very book is very eloquantly written.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgetable!
Review: I first read this book when I was fifteen years old. It was part of my fathers collection. Although at that time it was difficult for me to comprehend what the character "Philip Carey" went through,it certainly was fascinating to see human relationships at work.And years later when I returned back to that book,after having gone through some bitter experiences myself,I couldn't help admiring the way in which he has portrayed the character. No one can write so accurately without having gone through it himself!. A must read for anyone who wants to know what "unrequited" feels like!
Rating:
Summary: Certainly Autobiographical
Review: The closeness, detail and candor Maugham writes about Philip Carey is certainly reflective of something autobiographical. The book has had profound influence on me, especially in the true understanding of the nature of falling in love and being loved, the two of which rarely harmonize. No one in the novel is depicted as a hero or as a villain, and even though Mildred comes across as vain and shallow it is much of a reaction to Philip's unrequited love. The entire story is a kind of running example of the karma principle, you get what you give. Though I was a bit disappointed with the ending, after some reflection it dawned upon me that it was exactly what Maugham's theme was: unlike the austere path that Larry in "The Razor's Edge" decided to pursue, happiness can be achieved by acknowledging the simple desires of life.
Rating:
Summary: subtle yet deep
Review: This and The Razor's Edge are both favorites of mine. thought-provoking for sure, I found the main character extremely frusturating at times yet he was still likeable. It's a great book for people who want something that makes you think but is easily read.
Rating:
Summary: Rare Jewel Founded Unexpectly
Review: this book demonstrates the enigmatic way which maugham leds his readers to the inner most soul of his creation. i've followed the life journey of the protagonist like i never been able to in any other books. it was rare, exhilarating experience.
Rating:
Summary: This book changed my life!
Review: After an accident, I had a lot of time on my hands, and began to catch up on great classics. I picked up Of Human Bondage and couldn't put it down. Through the experiences of Philip Carey, I saw that I, like him, could do better with my life if I took charge and lived up to my potential. The fire the book generated stayed with me, and a few months later I quit my unsatisfying job and returned to college. To me, that's one of the marks of a great book: it makes you think and then act on what you learned.
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