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 (1874-1965) was an English novelist, playwright, and short story writer. Born in Paris, he was orphaned as a boy and sent to live with an emotionally distant uncle. He struggled to fit in as a student at The King’s School in Canterbury and demanded his uncle send him to Heidelberg University, where he studied philosophy and literature. In Germany, he had his first affair with an older man and embarked on a career as a professional writer. After completing his degree, Maugham moved to London to begin medical school. There, he published Liza of Lambeth (1897), his debut novel. Emboldened by its popular and critical success, he dropped his pursuit of medicine to devote himself entirely to literature. Over his 65-year career, he experimented in form and genre with such works as Lady Frederick (1907), a play, The Magician (1908), an occult novel, and Of Human Bondage (1915). The latter, an autobiographical novel, earned Maugham a reputation as one of the twentieth century’s leading authors, and continues to be recognized as his masterpiece. Although married to Syrie Wellcome, Maugham considered himself both bisexual and homosexual at different points in his life. During and after the First World War, he worked for the British Secret Intelligence Service as a spy in Switzerland and Russia, writing of his experiences in Ashenden: Or the British Agent (1927), a novel that would inspire Ian Fleming’s James Bond series. At one point the highest-paid author in the world, Maugham led a remarkably eventful life without sacrificing his literary talent.

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.