The Moon & Sixpence

Name: The Moon & Sixpence
Rating: 8.24 (27841 reviews)
Author: William Somerset Maugham
ISBN: 9780939495788

Language: English
Published in: 1993
Publisher: North Books
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780939495788

Subjects

Original edition details

The Moon and Sixpence Originally published in 1919

Original language

English

Original publisher Books On Tape

Other editions (324)

The Moon and Sixpence

2007 • Barnes & Noble

English

The Moon and Sixpence (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)

2009 • Barnes & Noble

English

The Moon and Sixpence (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

2012 • Barnes & Noble

English

The Moon and Sixpence (Dover Value Editions)

2012 • Dover Publications

English

The Moon and Sixpence (Unabridged Start Publishing LLC)

2012 • Start Publishing LLC

English

8.24 / 10 (27K ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

W. Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence is consistently praised for its elegant, powerful, and lyrical writing style, which many readers found both profound and accessible. Reviewers lauded Maugham's ability to craft beautifully constructed sentences and deliver wisdom in an unpretentious manner. The novel's most celebrated aspect is its compelling and memorable portrayal of Charles Strickland, a character loosely based on Paul Gauguin. The psychological depth of this selfish and obsessed painter was found to be exceptionally well-done, presenting him as an enigmatic, uncompromising, and ultimately fascinating figure. The book is also highly regarded for the rich food for thought it provides, exploring universal themes such as the intense drive of an artist, the conflict between creative passion and conventional life, and profound questions about the nature of genius and individual freedom.

Negatives

Despite its many strengths, the novel drew significant criticism for its pervasive misogyny, which is expressed through Strickland, other characters, and at times, the narrator himself. Reviewers found the generalizations and statements about women to be "nauseating" and "blatantly misogynistic," making the reading experience uncomfortable for many. Beyond the sexism, some readers were put off by the protagonist's monstrous, cruel, and relentlessly selfish nature, finding his callousness depicted without sufficient subtlety. Additionally, the novel's depiction of Strickland's relationships, particularly in Tahiti, raised concerns about colonialist undertones and problematic portrayals of women, with some reviewers noting that the character's actions and views on women, including his unconventional relationships, were deeply troubling and reflective of a sexist worldview. A few readers also found the narrative occasionally ponderous or that the central story felt "swamped by padding," leading to some slow parts or an anti-climactic ending.

Conclusion

Overall, The Moon and Sixpence is considered a remarkable and engrossing novel, often described as a major work on the relationship between art, psychology, and society. While acknowledging its problematic aspects, many reviewers still found it compulsively readable and a significant literary achievement. This book would appeal to readers who appreciate Maugham's distinctive writing style and his exploration of complex human nature. It is particularly recommended for those interested in the lives and motivations of artists, the philosophical questions surrounding genius, and the tension between individual passion and societal expectations. Readers who enjoy deep character studies, are willing to engage with challenging moral dilemmas, and are not deterred by an unlikeable protagonist or attitudes reflective of its historical context, will likely find this a thought-provoking and rewarding read.

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