The Razor's Edge

Written by W. Somerset Maugham

Narrated by Michael Page

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Apr 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491587010

W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1964) was a British novelist, playwright, and short story writer. Maugham studied medicine, later becoming a surgeon. In 1897, he published his first novel, Liza of Lambeth, which became so popular he took up writing full-time. By 1914, Maugham was famous, having published ten novels and produced ten plays. During World War I, he served as an ambulance driver—and occasional spy—and continued to write, publishing the controversial autobiographical novel Of Human Bondage (1915), one of his best-known works.

Reviews for The Razor's Edge

[kelsey burnett · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The language was beautiful, and the characters were interesting, but the thoughts about God were incoherent and unfaithful to circumspect analysis.

[John and Ginny · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I want to listen again but the new site won’t let me.???

[Ravi Menon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing story teller. Keeps the reader engaged at all times.

[Jack Smith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good book about finding God with a great description of the period in which it is written.

[Lauren Mckeever Nesbitt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Can’t believe I’ve never read this author before. It’s a lovely character study. Next read will be another Somerset Maugham.

[mayur sundararajan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful book. It is kind of Mad Men TV series. A bunch of interesting characters going through life events with each of their own philosophies.

[alexpecam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best novels of the 20th century. I rate it higher than "Of Human Bondage," which many consider to be the best novel by William Somerset Maugham. Set in the snobbish and hedonistic era that was lived between the two world wars, it narrates in the first person - the author himself is one of the important characters in the plot - the circumstances in which a group of people from Chicago face their own existential problems amidst the economic collapse resulting from the crash of 1929. While the work revolves around the main character Larry Darrell, the plots that shape each of the secondary characters make this a true masterpiece where, in the end, each of them will have achieved what they have been seeking in their lives. The novel is recommended; however, the 1946 film adaptation leaves many things unaddressed. (Translated from Spanish)

[nancy20211 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book a year ago, and I loved it. I identified too much with the fact that we seek a reason for existence... (Translated from Spanish)

[Fermín de Pas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well written, like everything by Maugham, but despite the novel being very famous (it even became a movie), I don't think it's Maugham's best work. (Translated from Spanish)

[Nebell5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Razor's Edge, another great work taken from his collection of major speeches, a very good self-improvement book and highly recommended. (Translated from Spanish)

[Augusto1974 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very entertaining novel set in post-World War I Europe. Simple and straightforward. (Translated from Spanish)