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The Razor's Edge  By  cover art

The Razor's Edge

By: W. Somerset Maugham
Narrated by: Michael Page
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Publisher's summary

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.

©1944 W. Somerset Maugham and renewed in 1971 by Elizabeth Mary, Baroness Glendevon (P)1994 Brilliance Audio

What listeners say about The Razor's Edge

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Brilliant and easy to read

I enjoyed listening to this book. Both the story and the performance are brilliant. Lovely experience.

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12 people found this helpful

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Great story

I have always liked this story, having seen and enjoying both film versions. the book paints the the scenes as eloquently as I had hoped.

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Beautiful Book

This is a wonderful book, one that stays with you. Nuanced, deep perception of characters. Excellent narration.

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  • Overall
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Maugham at 70 and still amazing

Always a pleasure to read a book with a beggining, middle, and end, timeless themes, and none of the ax grinding, and propagandizung that are the hallmarks of modern authors.

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Stick with it

A friend recommended this book to me after I commented on how beautifully written A Gentleman in Moscow was. That is what I loved about listening to the audio book, the language, the grammar, the elegance. Honestly, it is a slow start but before you realize, you are caught up in the story and the characters. Following Larry around the world in search of something unspoken was ultimately paid off in an eye opening chapter. The Razors Edge is now in my top 10 favorite books of all time.

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A thin line between good and evil

a very moving and relevant story that nicely bridges the gap between Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby and Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. The balance of life is portrayed well in this novel by Maugham.

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Great story

Great book, well written.... The Larry character as were the others really made me think about life differently....

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Psychological Intrique

This was my 3rd book from Maugham and I did enjoy it. He excells at developing charcters and their toxic relationships. I really enjoyed how the narrator plays himself (the author). It made for an unique perspective and it was one of the many things I liked most about the book. At times, the dialogue does go off into lengthy philosphical and religious discussions as one of the main characters relates his experiences with various holly men, especially towards the end of the book. If you like Maugham's style of writing, give it a read. The narrator was excellent!

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Great book by a Great Writer

Exceptionally interesting book and characters in a very well-written tale. Narrator did an outstanding job.

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a fabulous book

Such an interesting read. Storyline fascinating. The characters stay with you like old friends. Highly recommended.

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