THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

William Somerset Maugham was born in 1874, at the British Embassy in Paris, France, as Maugham’s father, an attorney, conducted legal affairs in Paris.  Somerset Maugham served during WW I in the Red Cross, and later, in the British Secret Service.  As Maugham lost both of his parents at an early age, “Of Human Bondage”, considered Maugham’s best work, is an autobiographical novel.  W. Somerset Maugham died in Nice, France in 1965.

 

The book begins with the death of Philip’s beloved mother, Helen Carey.  His father, Henry Carey, a surgeon, died some months prior.  An orphan at nine, Philip is taken to live with his Aunt Louisa, who is sweet to him, and his Uncle William, the Vicar of Blackstable, who shares with him, his love of books.  Suffering from a clubfoot, Philip shys away from social settings at boarding school and eventually, leaves for Paris.

In Paris, Philip enjoys the art world.  However, after suffering failed and troubled relationships, Philip returns to his aunt and uncle in England and applies to medical school.

After Philip’s uncle dies, he leaves Philip an inheritance, which enables him to finish medical school.  Philip later joins the practice of Dr. South, a warm and personable man who takes a liking to Philip.  Sometime later, Philip meets Sally, a woman with whom he finds love.