Of Human Bondage

by Somerset Maugham
Of Human Bondage cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £8.54–£25.64
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1480
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-07
  • ISBN: 9780099284963
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 60
  • Reviews: 4

Of Human Bondage, the first and most autobiographical of W. Somerset Maugham's masterpieces, delves into the life of Philip Carey, an orphan with a clubfoot, as he navigates his way through a series of life-altering experiences. From his time studying in Heidelberg to his brief stint in Paris as an aspiring artist, Philip's story is one of resilience and the unrelenting search for identity. Maugham's semi-autobiographical account explores themes of love, rejection, and the human condition, offering a deeply introspective look into Philip's struggles and aspirations. The novel is celebrated for its raw emotional depth and its ability to resonate with readers through its universal themes of longing and self-discovery.

Reviews
The Bookbinder's Daughter · 2023-04-24
Remarkable 4.75

The novel is a remarkable piece of literature for its complex character development and excellent writing. It showcases Maugham's ability to craft a compelling narrative.

This reviewer praises the novel for its remarkable character development and excellent writing, highlighting Maugham's skill as a storyteller. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, as well as the author's ability to craft a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The book's literary merit is underscored by its ability to resonate with readers on multiple levels.

Quick quotes

    Maugham's novel is a remarkable piece of literature.

    His writing is that of excellent quality.

    A complex character but his writing is that of excellent.

Head Butler · 2023-03-21
realistic 3.50

The novel's exacting writing makes it painful to read, but this pain feels true to life. The narrative's realism is both its strength and its challenge.

This reviewer found 'Of Human Bondage' to be a remarkably realistic novel, with its exacting writing making it painful to read at times. They appreciated the novel's honesty and its ability to portray the complexities of life. The reviewer noted that the pain and difficulty in the narrative make it feel true, even if it is challenging to read. They highlighted the novel's ability to capture the essence of human experience, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Because it's so exactingly written, it's painful to read.

    And the pain makes it feel true, the way a life sometimes takes a wrong turn and ...

    The novel's ability to capture the essence of human experience is both its strength and its challenge.

William Peace Blog · 2021-08-05
Engrossing 4.50

The book is rich in characters, ideas, emotions, and events, making it engaging despite its length. It has a compelling pull that keeps you coming back to it.

This reviewer found the book to be incredibly immersive and engaging, despite its substantial length. The rich tapestry of characters, ideas, emotions, and events makes it a compelling read that's hard to put down. They were continually drawn back to the story, highlighting its depth and complexity. The narrative's ability to captivate the reader is a testament to its enduring appeal.

Quick quotes

    It is rich in characters, ideas, emotions and events.

    I found it calling me when I put it down.

    It has a compelling pull that keeps you coming back to it.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2020-08-04
Delightful 5.00

The book is a delightful literary work that is enjoyable to read and worthy of repeated readings. It stands out as a rare combination of literary depth and readability.

Kara Babcock highlights how Of Human Bondage is a rare gem that combines literary depth with sheer enjoyment. They found the book to be all-too-delightful to read and ripe for rereading, indicating its lasting appeal. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to captivate and engage, making it a standout work that transcends typical literary boundaries.

Quick quotes

    Of Human Bondage is that unfortunately rare combination of a literary work that is all-too-delightful to read.

    It is ripe for reading again and again.

    A literary work that is all-too-delightful to read.

Appears in Lists