OF HUMAN BONDAGE is a kind of autobiography of W.Somerset Maugham. It was written in 1915.
The book begins with the death of a nine year old, Phillip Carey's mother. Story then moves through, his school life, college, friends, art, love, women, medicine, bitter failures, despairs, and at last victory; and also his relationship with various people like his uncle, aunt, friends, Cronshaw, Miss Wilkinson etc.
The beauty of this book is that; anyone who reads it connects himself with the character at some point of the book or other. The various relationships of Phillip and their temporariness are projected very smoothly. The story takes turn with the entry of Mildred. Her character covers majority of the book. The feelings of the Phillip when he is in love with her, are written superbly.
The scene between protagonist and his dying uncle is also worth mentioning. Cronshaw's philosophy and his conversations are noteworthy. They are bit against the Christianity. His arguments are striking and sounds logical. Also the various doubts Phillip gets during his discussions with his friends and his revelation towards GOD is also good. Another highlight of the book is, the indifference of the protagonist towards his lover after she leaves him for another guy. The transformation is very well shown and it is also captivating. Throughout the story, the inability of the protagonist and the ridicules he faces are heart touching. No, doubt a tear or two escapes during few scenes.
I personally like this book a lot as it was realistically written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book requires patience to read but overall its worth reading; no doubt in it.
Karumanchi Vishwanatha Sharma
March 22, 2010
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