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The Razor's Edge
By: W. Somerset Maugham
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-12-2012
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
4.8 out of 5 stars4.8 (40 ratings)
Non-member price: $28.87
Member price: $14.95 or 1 Credit
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Publisher's Summary
Larry Darrell is a young American in search of the absolute. The progress of this spiritual odyssey involves him with some of Maugham's most brilliant characters: his fiancée Isabel, whose choice between love and wealth have lifelong repercussions; and Elliot Templeton, her uncle, a classic expatriate American snob.
The most ambitious of Maugham's novels, this is also one in which Maugham himself plays a considerable part as he wanders in and out of the story, to observe his characters struggling with their fates.
William Somerset Maugham (25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965) was an English playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest paid author of the 1930s. Maugham was orphaned by the age of ten, but after an unhappy childhood, he flourished when he moved to London to study medicine as a young man, giving him plenty of inspiration for his literary ambitions. His first novel, Liza Of Lambeth, sold out in a matter of weeks, prompting Maugham to leave medicine and embark on a 65-year career as a man of letters. By 1914 he was famous, with ten successful plays produced and ten novels published. In 1917, he was asked by the British Secret Intelligence Service (now MI6) to undertake a special mission in Russia; an experience which would go on to inspire Ashenden, a collection of short stories about a gentlemanly spy that influenced Ian Fleming’s James Bond series. Maugham’s most famous works include Of Human Bondage, a semiautobiographical novel, The Moon and Sixpence, Cakes and Ale and The Razor's Edge. His writing has inspired a string of over 35 film adaptations and has influenced many notable authors, including Anthony Burgess, George Orwell and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
©1944 Somerset Maugham (P)2012 Audible Ltd
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What listeners say about The Razor's EdgeAverage Customer Ratings
Overall 5 out of 5 stars4.8 out of 5.0
5 Stars
31
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5.0
5 Stars
27
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Story 4.5 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5.0
5 Stars
25
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
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5 out of 5 stars
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davidm
26-06-2015
A fascinating view of a time long past
This is my first reading of a book by Maugham. It transported me. The characterisation was brilliant. All of the characters, especially the main character, Larry, were described with obvious insight. The eastern point of view, the essence of Hinduism and its implications for the west, was captured succinctly by the author. The narration suited the story and contributed to my immersion. The themes are now more vital and current than at the time of writing. It is fascinating to follow Larry's journey in both the physical and spiritual landscapes, a journey followed, of course, by many in subsequent generations.
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2 people found this helpful
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars
Lee
28-12-2014
Loved the characters
This book shows that nothing has changed in human nature despite wars, depression and financial crashes. I loved the possibility of freedom that is shown in Larry's character and the realistic way the other characters have been portrayed, relevant even in today's society.
I found myself pondering life in all sorts of ways, and couldn't wait to get back to it if I had to turn it off.
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2 people found this helpful
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars
Albear
07-10-2021
A classic brought to life.
It’s impressive that a 100-year old book is still relevant today. This family and friends saga spanning World War I and the depression and the growth of America and Europe is deservedly a classic. It raises some interesting moral and ethical dilemmas and is only occasionally bogged down by overly long mystical musings.
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Overall
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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Anonymous User
27-03-2020
Wonderful
An interesting story, beautifully written and superbly read. Going back for another. Maugham is masterful.
Was this review helpful for you?
Helpful
Report this
Far Eastern Tales
The Painted Veil
NarratorShadows in Bronze
Saigon
Alan Turing: The Enigma
What listeners say about The Razor's EdgeAverage Customer Ratings
Overall 5 out of 5 stars4.8 out of 5.0
5 Stars
31
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5.0
5 Stars
27
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Story 4.5 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5.0
5 Stars
25
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
Audible.com.au reviews
Audible.co.uk reviews
Amazon Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars
davidm
26-06-2015
A fascinating view of a time long past
This is my first reading of a book by Maugham. It transported me. The characterisation was brilliant. All of the characters, especially the main character, Larry, were described with obvious insight. The eastern point of view, the essence of Hinduism and its implications for the west, was captured succinctly by the author. The narration suited the story and contributed to my immersion. The themes are now more vital and current than at the time of writing. It is fascinating to follow Larry's journey in both the physical and spiritual landscapes, a journey followed, of course, by many in subsequent generations.
Was this review helpful for you?
Helpful
Report this
2 people found this helpful
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars
Lee
28-12-2014
Loved the characters
This book shows that nothing has changed in human nature despite wars, depression and financial crashes. I loved the possibility of freedom that is shown in Larry's character and the realistic way the other characters have been portrayed, relevant even in today's society.
I found myself pondering life in all sorts of ways, and couldn't wait to get back to it if I had to turn it off.
Was this review helpful for you?
Helpful
Report this
2 people found this helpful
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars
Albear
07-10-2021
A classic brought to life.
It’s impressive that a 100-year old book is still relevant today. This family and friends saga spanning World War I and the depression and the growth of America and Europe is deservedly a classic. It raises some interesting moral and ethical dilemmas and is only occasionally bogged down by overly long mystical musings.
Was this review helpful for you?
Helpful
Report this
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars
Anonymous User
27-03-2020
Wonderful
An interesting story, beautifully written and superbly read. Going back for another. Maugham is masterful.
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