In 'The Razor's Edge', W. Somerset Maugham guides us through the existential journey of Larry Darrell, a disillusioned World War I veteran seeking meaning beyond societal conventions. As he traverses through life in search of enlightenment, the novel paints a vivid picture of 1920s Paris, weaving in the lives of a diverse set of characters who embody contrasting philosophies. From the allure of wealth and materialism to the spirituality found in the East, Larry's quest challenges the reader's understanding of fulfillment and purpose. Maugham's keen observations invite us to question the sacrifices we make for happiness. Will Larry find the answers he seeks, or is the path to enlightenment a perilous razor's edge?
By W. Somerset Maugham
Published: 2003
"The only important thing in life is to be true to yourself; as long as you have that, the rest will follow."
Larry Darrell is a young American in search of the absolute. The progress of this spiritual odyssey involves him with some of Maugham's most brillant characters - his fiancee Isabel, whose choice between love and wealth have lifelong repercussions, and Elliot Templeton, her uncle, a classic expatriate American snob. The most ambitious of Maugham's novels, this is also one in which Maugham himself plays a considerable part as he wanders in and out of the story, to observe his characters struggling with their fates.
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“The only important thing in life is to be true to yourself; as long as you have that, the rest will follow.”
The Razor's Edge
By W. Somerset Maugham
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W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, celebrated for his keen observations of human nature and social critique. Among his most notable works are 'Of Human Bondage', 'The Moon and Sixpence', and 'The Razor's Edge', which showcase his ability to explore complex characters in rich, evocative settings. Maugham's writing style is characterized by clarity, simplicity, and a masterful use of dialogue, often employing a sense of irony and an acute understanding of the human condition.
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