Of Human Bondage

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Summary: Masterpiece by this century's most underappreciated author
Review: W. Somerset Maugham is the author of many novels, short stories and plays, as well as several works of non-fiction. OF HUMAN BONDAGE is the work for which he is and will be most remembered. It is a "coming of age" novel filled with epiphanous gems and unusually keen incites into the way we all perceive an often cruel world which for all its cruelty is in and of itself the very same place which serves as the backdrop for our greatest pleasures and most illustrious aspirations. Philip Carey was brought into the world with a club foot and a seemingly inherent sense of loneliness. Maugham, as he does in so many of his works, juxtaposes these raw, misfortunate facts of one's life with the calming notion that neither we, nor Philip, are really alone at all. It is the act of aspiring and simply feeling that releases the primal in us all and which ultimately reveals we are part of a larger family of individuals who want something more. This is a rich novel. Some might find Maugham's episodic, segmented style to seem simplistic, but the sum is truly greater than the parts wherever Maugham is concerned. While Maugham is read often he is generally not read well. In his often formulaic style, if one reads closely, one will find rumblings of the post-moderns to come while still hearing echoes of the narrative masters of the past. Read this novel, and then read anything else by Maugham!

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Summary: Insight into Disability
Review: Philip Carey's clubfoot drove his characterization at least as much as the loss of his parents at an early age. His embarrassment, isolation and lack of self-confidence makes his obsession with being loved by Mildred more understandable. I have a slight disability; the thoughts and emotions Philip experienced resonnated with me. Overall though, this book describes the adventures and missteps of a young man, who makes mistakes, misses opportunities, changes career paths, like we all do, until finally discovering his personal strengths, life work and of course true love. So, for insight into a young man's mind, for understanding of motivation behind a slight disability, for the enjoyment of a well-plotted novel, I'd recommend this book.

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Summary: Really Good
Review: This book is very well-written and absorbing. However, I must admit I didn't like Philip Carey, the lead. He's such a... lowlife. Really, he is so mean all throughout, Mildred was right: he IS quick to take offense. But in spite of that, this book is something everyone should read, and is highly recommended!

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Summary: A gripping novel that portrays the brutal realities of life.
Review: Of Human Bondage is a beautifully written novel by W.Somerset. At first glance the book looks daunting, but once you read the first few pages you realize that it is a poetic like portrayal of Philip's journy through life. He is bound by his physical deformity and unconditional love of the irratating Mildred. At the turn of each page you can't help but feel part of Phillip as he struggles through his young life. The ending leaves you feeling rather sad for the young man even though he has the rest of his life to look forward to. The book takes you as well as Phillip on a personal journy that remains with you long after you put the book down. You learn something about your own human nature. It is a wonderful glimps into the human psyche. I recommend the book enthusiastically to anyone who has time to read it indepth.

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Summary: Amazed by the other reviewers ...
Review: Frankly, I am amazed at some of the reviews posted for this novel. '[e-mail]' gives away the entire story - so why read it at all? (I thought this service of Amazon discouraged giving away entire plots. Am I missing something??) I found Philip Carey to be a detestable creature, even more so than Mildred. Throughout his youth he is callous towards those who - unlike him - do not have money in the bank; his tutor in Paris is the example that comes to mind. It is not until he himself finds himself destitute that he is able to relate to the misery of others. And even then he does not reflect back on the misery of others, but can think only of himself. The book has a great beginning, and a great ending (as so many books do) but for me the middle 400 pages just dragged on and on and on, replaying the same scenario over and over again between Philip and Mildred. It was so frustrating! (Much like watching Rhett and Scarlett constantly missing the fact that each is really in love with the other, until due to circumstances it is too late to do anything about it.) I cannot comprehend how any high school student, assigned this book when they are not an avid reader to begin with, can possibly muddle their way through this bloated novel. I will say that the last ten pages are wonderful, so here's my advice: read the first few chapters and the last few and you'll do just fine on your book report. Instead of the tedium of the middle, go out and play in the sun or go to the movies. And don't feel guilty about skipping the middle!

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Summary: A Unrequited love, of passion that is not returned in kind.
Review: "Of Human Bondage", a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, is about a man's bondage to love or passion. It depicts in a clear and unrelenting manner the thralldom of one man to a worthless woman. This story is laid in England, Germany, and France in the years between 1885 and 1905. Philip Carey is a club-foot orphan, his mother dies when Philip is at the age of nine. He then goes and lives with his Aunt and Uncle. He is sent to school, to study clergy. As a cripple he does not have an easy life at school nor in his dealings with people in general. He is a lonely, introverted boy, sensitive and intelligent. At the age of twenty five he meets Mildred. She becomes the obession of his life, and the major part of the book is devoted to his relationship with her. Even though the love is not returned, Philip will do anything for her. He looks after her even when he discovers she has become a prositute, but when Mildred turns the tables and tries to seduce him, he spurns her, and she leaves. He feels free at last. Philip's fortunes drop and he loses all his money. He works as a shopwalker, but after the death of his Uncle he inherits enough to continue his medical education. He then falls in love with the daughter of his dearest friend, and marries her. This is a brutally frank story, and a very moving one. This is not a novel to be casually read and tossed aside. I recommend this novel to College students and older audiences.

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Summary: Highly recommended for 20-somethings who enjoy classics.
Review: Somerset Maughm's masterpiece provides wonderful insights into the angst of finding the meaning of one's life. Maughm covers the first thirty years of a young man's life. From the death of his mother in childhood, through the painful school years, to his exploration of possible careers and loves. The loves being devestating, unrequited, and finally, mature and accepting.

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Summary: Simply a masterpiece.
Review: W. Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" was simply one of the finest piece's of literature that I have had the privledge to read. Protaganist Phillip Carey made me feel joyful, angry , despondant and hopeful. I clearly identified with Phillip's incessant need for love that was always unrequited. To experience the pain inflicted by Mildred upon Phillip was not easy to read, but also a wake up call. I will never forget this book and the adventures contained with in it.

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Summary: Wonderful story lightly peppered with breathtaking sentences
Review: What makes this story so powerful and beautiful? It's the combination of a great story, vivid characters, messages about life, and a gentle peppering of poetic sentences. Maugham simply told the story. He forced nothing. This is one of those books that can change your life when you're looking for answers. By far it's my all time favorite book.

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Summary: PLAINLY ONE OF TWENTIETH CENTURY'S BEST
Review: I cannot imagine a more enthralling, perceptive account of human nature. We see Philip Carey through his own eyes; we become angry and frustrated with him; and we weep profusely for him.

We can also see ourselves in his self-doubt and self-destructive behavior.

The ending is wonderful, and I never anticipated how things would go.

Great classic.