The Razor's Edge

This is deeply subjective. We all are effected differently, but there are a few books that cause us to see life in a different way. I mean to really open our eyes and change us in an indescribable way. Well, for me, this is one of those books. I re-read the physical book and re-listen to this excellent audio version periodically and feel so very lucky to have it in my life. You may or may not have the same experience, but I cannot recommend this book with greater enthusiasm. I am a better person for having read it.

Rarely do I go out of my way to recommend books to friends. More rarely a book written by an English writer published in 1944. No action novel this, but I've been talking about it to friends even since before I finished it. It's on a par with The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald's earlier work of the same era, the Jazz Age. And let me say if Elizabeth Gilbert had gotten it right, she might have written Razor's Edge. If you liked her book, you should love this one. If you hated her book, as I did, you may still love Somerset Maugham's book if the subject of man's journey to enlightenment is your cup of tea. Beyond the literary value and the weight of the tome, the narrator in this edition is the best narrator I've listened to, possessed of a vocal range that makes this audio book a rare treat. If you're still reading this review, then I think you'll love the book. Give it a shot!
v

i enjoyed the book 30 years ago. the author would be proud of this narrator.

I had run into this story by accident when renting the newer version of the movie (with Bill Murray). I liked it so well that I rented the earlier version (with Tyrone Powers?) and loved it just as much, even thought the two are somewhat different.

Definitely a thought-provoking book, no matter what your position on matters of theology. In one sense, the book is summed up by a statement Larry (the main character) makes partway through the book. He says he is searching to find out if there really is a God, because everything else in life depends on the answer to that question (my paraphrase).

While you may or may not agree with Larry's final conclusion about God and morality, the search he goes through, and his commitment to REALLY search for the truth make for a great read. The characters around him, who are on a much different journey - seeking position, power and wealth - really contrast the "examined" and the "unexamined" life.

It is also an interesting literary device to have the author actually appear as a character in the story - something I don't think I've seen before.

If you've seen the movies, the book is much truer to the black and white adapatation.

Regardless of my differences in theology with the book, it was a great read and really makes you think!

It was a great story. Each character had something in which I could relate to. The reader was excellent. This book persuaded me to downloaded a couple other books by W. Somerset Maugham. Ill keep listening.

Profoundly inspirational story

Elliot's exit

Elliot Templeton

Enlightenment

This is one of my favorite books. I read it annually. Having it read to me was a joy.

I felt compelled to write a review because I wanted to counter the one above - to offer a different perspective. I appreciate that this book was moving to some; however, I found this book to be boring and the narrator annoying. I didn't finish it.