Of Human Bondage

By: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 28 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Of Human Bondage is one of the greatest novels of modern times, and it is certainly Maugham's greatest achievement. It was published in 1914, when Maugham was at the height of his creative powers. The story concerns Philip Carey, afflicted at birth with a club foot, and his passionate search for truth in a cruel world. We follow his growth to manhood, his educational progress, his first loves, and the wrenching tragedies and disappointments that life has in store for him. In some of the finest prose of the 20th century, Maugham has presented us with the timeless story of one man's search for the meaning of life.

One of the main themes of the novel is the concept of ambivalence: how we are simultaneously attracted to - and repulsed by - people, objects, thoughts, and actions. Although this was not a new concept in 1914, in the hands of Maugham it was raised to a pitch of literary perfection.

Maugham thought of himself essentially as an entertainer, not as a moral philosopher or preacher. There is in his work an objective cynicism that is almost shocking at times. It is almost embarrassing to read Maugham's frank description of Philip Carey's innermost thoughts and Mildred Roger's callous disregard for anything that does not contribute to her narrow sensuality. But in the end, it is as an entertainer that we enjoy Maugham. His lively conversations and vivid descriptions will keep you listening in fascination.

Public Domain (P)2012 Audio Connoisseur

Wonderful read!

Maugham's story telling skills are at there finest here. Of Human Bondage is a captivating story which is as relevant to human experience today as when it was written. It's simply one of the best books I ever read. And Charlton Griffin's narration is superb.

I have to be honest...this was a great novel

took me a while to finish...I found myself angry and happy with this. I really enjoyed this novel.

Classic Novel

You have to give it a little time to allow the characters to develop. Then, the writer's great insight is astounding, especially for male readers who can remember the struggles of youth and young adulthood. Struggles that ultimately prove trivial.

A most glorious novel!

I can't imagine what I had expected except a wonderful novel by one of my favorite novelists. I had seen the old movie with Bette Davis and was expecting something somewhat different. Something much darker and hopeless. I love everything I've ever read by Maugham and I can see why this is considered a classic and a masterpiece. We live in a dark age in so many ways. But thankfully great art and literature like this pushes that darkness away into oblivion. Because this is what the life of humanity is really about and not the dark and ugly realities that emanate from the ugly forces that continue to surround us in this tragic and dark new age which seems to be forced upon us.

What a long beautiful book

I always remember Bette Davis as Mildred in the movie, Of Human Bondage, walking down a staircase and declaring “What a dump.” Or did I just imagine it? Because after listening to hours and hours of this long and winding tale, I never heard it spoken!

I have also always been a fan of Maughm’s travel stories, but it has taken me 71 years to finally listen to this classic.

I found it beautifully written, painfully true, and deliciously smacking of life. I didn’t particularly like Mr. Griffin’s mannered British style of reading, which I found especially diminishing to the women, but I enjoyed the story tremendously and appreciated the central character of Phillip so much, that I ended up cherishing every single hour I listened.

Highly recommended. A literary and period classic. Maughm’s masterpiece.

Grew on me<br />

I was pretty impatient in the middle as it kind of dragged. (Mildred. What a putz.) but ended up liking the. ok in the end..

Yes - this is a masterpiece.

Where does Of Human Bondage rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Dark but with all the fascinating complications of human relationships.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Of Human Bondage?

Growth through painful defeats.

What does Charlton Griffin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love the English accent!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several times I was moved.

Any additional comments?

Because I lead a busy life - I do not have the time to sit and read books like "Of Human Bondage" by Somerset Maugham. Through Audible I take my iPad to each room with me as I get my household chores completed. It is a delight to enter into the world of these classic novels through Audible.

Masterpiece

A well-narrated version of one of my all time favorite movies. I enjoyed every minute of hearing the actual text from which it was derived. It was richer, deeper, and more to love. This classic is a must to anyone's top reading list!

A triumph of life lived

Being captured by a story that plums the depths and heights of life. A feeling of experiencing the heart of it all. We are all flawed and blessed. Cary is a man in full. Why didn’t Phillip try writing. Hmmm
M

The perfect book with the perfect title

This is such a fascinating book about the mind and how it works on our life choices. We see the character, Philip Carey, struggle in whatever direction he moves. He really evolves with life. He grows up. The adolescent rebel is so well described and then there is Philip in love. How we have all loved someone who does not love us back. I have always loved Maugham for his description of places. One of my favourite parts was Philip's art period in Paris. It was so full of colourful characters. Very touched by Philip's appreciation of people with character. I will savour this book for some time. Thing I liked the least: his love of Mildred. I would have edited most of that out.
Got tired of the women's' characters and voices. They all sounded so much the same. Got a bit annoying. Females do not fare well in this book.