Of Human Bondage
Gelesen von Tom Weiss
W. Somerset Maugham
(4,547 Sterne; 138 Bewertungen)
Of Human Bondage, published in 1915, is considered to be W. Somerset Maugham’s best work. Many believe the novel to be one of the world’s literary masterpieces. The story follows Phillip Carey from early childhood through his 30’s. Orphaned at 9, Phillip spends his early years raised by his childless aunt and uncle. His aunt tries to be a mother to Philip, but she is unsure how to behave whereas his uncle, a vicar, takes a cold disposition towards him. Philip is sent to a boarding school but his shyness and his club foot make it difficult for him to fit in. The novel follows this theme throughout as Phillip travels to Germany, France, and England, makes new acquaintances, searches for his life’s calling, and experiences romantic episodes. Mildred in particular, will leave you wondering about Phillip's obsession and passion for such a woman. More than a few of us have had “our Mildred”. The characters in Of Human Bondage are real-life with faults, qualities, and feelings that Maugham describes so vividly. It would not be unusual that we have encountered individuals with traits similar to the characters in this book. At times the emotions in this novel, so simply but purely written, will leave you either sad or happy and even perhaps, teary-eyed as the enthusiasm of youth is met with reality as Phillip tries to discover the meaning of HIS life through the dreams of others. (Summary by the Tom Weiss) (25 hr 45 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
juan carlos simon casal
(5 Sterne)
such a wonderful wonderful book, I'm speechless and amazed that until I found it in your catalog never knew of it.... this is one among other reasons why I'm so grateful for your joined efforts in carrying out libribox. This book is an absolute must ( listen in this case), and the reader Tom Weiss is as perfect as the book, subtle and soothing, thank U so much
good reader, but don't listen to this book if you're depressed.
SL Perry
(4 Sterne)
This book explores the existential questions of our day - is there a God and what is the meaning of life. And aside from the feeling that you want to throttle the main character every other paragraph because he's an idiot, it's an interesting classic.
Meticulous Description
שמעון עין גל
(3 Sterne)
Going through this book more out of a sense of duty to read what is considered a classic than from enjoyment. You can tell from chapter 1 that the hero's life is going to be dingy and disappointing. The descriptions of people and events is masterful and exact, I can identify with aspects of the hero and his experiences, but the overall gloominess and total absence of humour doesn't enable me to care too much about what happens to him. The reader makes a lot of basic mistakes in British and French pronunciation (Tercanbury instead of Canterbury!!!) but it's a free service so mustn't complain.
long enjoyable listen
Vivien Hinton
(5 Sterne)
i loved many of S W Maugham short stories in print. I had to listen to this book every day to find out what happens to Phillip Carey. Maugham was not making up London working conditions, poverty and hunger . The descriptions were very believable and I felt Phillips desperation as he becomes homeless and starving. great read thankyou Tom
Of Human Bondage
(3 Sterne)
I enjoyed the book, which wasn't made easy by the reader. His wooden style and countless mispronunciations were quite funny at times, and to use one of his own interpretations his French was 'excrupable'. I would have much preferred a n English reader, would have made more sense.
Sam
(5 Sterne)
Fantastic subtle and tender story written with immense feeling and authenticity. Could not recommend more highly. Reader was on the whole excellent, although at times I found the American accent odd, particularly given the English author and setting. Various pronunciations are bizarre but this did not detract.
A nice work
davids
(4 Sterne)
The book is a bit slow by modern standards, but well-told and interesting by what it reveals of the time. The reader is good, if a somewhat flat, and his pronunciation of some words is awkward - not to mention his French.
great book but poor reader
Candanski
(3 Sterne)
whilst I am grateful to the reader for taking the time to deliver up this thought provoking story, his limited vocabulary, indicated by the numerous mis-pronunciations suggest he may be better concentrating on less literary works by American authors.