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    The Razor's Edge
    The Razor's Edge
    The Razor's Edge
    Audiobook11 hours

    The Razor's Edge

    Written by W. Somerset Maugham

    Narrated by Michael Page

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    A compelling novel of self-discovery and the search for meaning from the author of The Painted Veil

    The Great War changed everything and everyone, and Larry Darrell is no exception. Though his physical wounds from the war heal, his spirit is changed almost beyond recognition. He leaves his betrothed, the beautiful and devoted Isabel; studies philosophy and religion in Paris; lives as a monk, and witnesses the exotic hardships of Spanish life. All of life that he can find—from an Indian Ashrama to labor in a coal mine—becomes Larry's spiritual experiment as he spurns the comfort and privilege of the Roaring 20s.

    This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateApr 14, 2015
    ISBN9781491587010
    The Razor's Edge
    Author

    W. Somerset Maugham

    William Somerset Maugham was born in Paris, on January 25th, 1874. Orphaned by the age of ten, he moved to England to live with an uncle. He received his education in England and Germany, studying medicine and graduating as a physician.Eschewing his education, Maugham instead became a full-time writer. His first novel, Liza of Lambeth, was published in 1897, but he soon established his reputation as a successful playwright. In time he wrote 32 plays, and abandoned the theater scene by 1933.He wrote nineteen novels, of which Of Human Bondage (1915), The Moon and Sixpence (1919), The Painted Veil (1925), Cakes and Ale (1930), and The Razor's Edge (1944), are considered classics of early 20th century literature.Maugham was a restless and inquisitive soul, and his travels and his sympathies with the working class often formed the basis of characters and settings. Maugham also had a tendency to insert auto-biographical aspects into his work, most infamously in the Ashenden stories, based on his time with the British Secret Service during WWI.Throughout his life, Maugham faced many personal challenges. Romantic struggles and speculation of his sexual identity were only exacerbated publicly by his popularity amongst readers. He had an extended affair with Syrie Wellcome, who gave birth to his only child, May Elizabeth "Liza," in 1915, formalizing their relationship by marriage in 1917. Maugham's relationship with Frederick Gerald Haxton-his long-standing secretary/companion-& constant traveling, eventually caused a rift in the marriage, ending in divorce in 1929.He experienced great financial success with his works, many of which were adapted for radio, stage, film & TV; though the same could not be said for critical approval amongst the literary community, which was uneven at best. He died December 16th 1965, in Nice, France.In his later years, Maugham continued to beguile critics and fans alike-as author Pico Iyer writes, "The riddle he presents us with is how a stammering, conventional-seeming Edwardian, writing in civil service prose, could somehow become the spokesman of hippies, black magicians and stockbrokers throwing it all over for Tahiti. His books are measured explorations of extravagance."

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    Reviews for The Razor's Edge

    4.5/5

    46 ratings6 reviews

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    • 3/5
      The language was beautiful, and the characters were interesting, but the thoughts about God were incoherent and unfaithful to circumspect analysis.
    • 5/5
      I want to listen again but the new site won’t let me.???
    • 5/5
      An amazing story teller. Keeps the reader engaged at all times.
    • 4/5
      A good book about finding God with a great description of the period in which it is written.
    • 5/5
      Can’t believe I’ve never read this author before. It’s a lovely character study. Next read will be another Somerset Maugham.
    • 5/5
      Wonderful book. It is kind of Mad Men TV series. A bunch of interesting characters going through life events with each of their own philosophies.