The Painted Veil

I was intreged by the trailer for the recent motion picture and thought of reading the book prior to seeing the movie. It is truly thought provoking and great from start to finish. The reader is a delight. I am now in search of more of Somerset Maugham's works.

I generally consider myself an educated person, but somehow got through (many) decades of adult life without reading Maugham. I'm either very lucky to have finally found this writer, or really dumb to have missed him for so long. Either way, I was enchanted by the writing, approved of the narration, and can't seem to get the story out of my mind. There are so many ways to consider the story, the characters, the setting and the atmosphere I can't begin to tell you. I can tell you that even if you don't usually crave "classics" (but maybe have a few favorites as I have like The Great Gatsby and The Old Man and the Sea) you've got to listen to, and consider, The Painted Veil.

Maugham's story is dated but no doubt true to its time, and for that reason sad and believable. His sympathy for the dull and restricted lives that many women were expected to endure is tempered by his disgust at the superficiality, racism and timidity of the British upper classes. This tale is a true social and political portrait of an era, and as creepily modern as it is time-worn.

"The Painted Veil" is a compelling tale of lust and redemption, a story that begins sordidly and ends profoundly and one that is rich in reality, compassion, and hope. It is a morality tale of astonishing depth and humanity. Beautifully written and entertainingly read, it it is well worth listening to more than once.

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first book I have experienced by Maugham, and I was impressed with both the writing and the handling of men's and women's issues/feelings. The narrator is excellent. I would not have found this book without Audible. What a great way to experience the classics.

The beginning chapters of this book had me expecting a far different type of story than this turned out to be. The metamorphosis of complex characters who can--and sometimes do--make important steps in life was told with such candor and sensitivity that I find myself quite astonished about how it was done. The book was in no sense difficult to understand, yet its messages are quite rigorous and profound. I would highly recommned this novel, author, and excellent reader to anyone who (like myself) hopes someday to think and grow up into an insightful and gracious soul.

Quite simply this book was a very enjoyable listen. I liked the visual journey I imagined as the scenes were described and I thought the ending was unpredictable.

The prose is just beautiful, the English is quaint and the narrator is wonderful. Love and meaning in life exists for those who seek to find/ uncover it. Author's world view reminds me of the quote the stars shine down and weep for us. The characters overall and psychological profiles are superbly fleshed out and made real. Deeply touched by the heroine. I am disappointed by the summary above as it gives away all the broad strokes and so detracted from my listen. I felt a touch sad and irritable after listening but this will be one of my all time favorite books and I think I will buy it in hardcover. Exceeded expectations greatly. Quick read.

I have tried to listen to as many audible classics as I can find and enjoy them immensely. This story was no different. The setting was easy to visualize, the story moved along at a nice pace, the narrator was pleasant to listen to. As compared to other classics, this book was a little bit of an easier listen. You will not be disappointed.... If you enjoy classics - try Uncle Tom's Cabin, A Tale of Two Cities, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Crime and Punishment....there are so many wonderful stories

Wonderful story teller. Maugham had insight and compassion for the human condition of his time. In this story most particularly he offers understanding about the societal bondage of women and he writes with surprising sympathy of Kitty's "awakening" to her true powers as a female in a wholly male dominated world. She purposefully has not been very educated, is not talented in any particular way, has not been nurtured to think well of herself, except as a pretty, marriageable female. Even in that she has been made to feel she is lacking. An older man becomes besotted with her and convinces her to marry him, aided by the pressure of Kitty's younger sister marrying leaving Kitty open to becoming that most derided female--a spinster. She is seduced by another man, a vain and selfish aging Lothario. When Kitty is revealed as imperfect, her husband threatens and punishes her emotionally and puts her in harm's way. Despite her husband's cruel vindictiveness and her lover's betrayal Kitty matures, learns her own worth and moves on. Kate Reading did a superb job narrating. Lovely story.