On a Chinese Screen is a collection of short sketches by W. Somerset Maugham, detailing his travels in China from 1919 to 1920. The book presents a vivid picture of European expatriates and their interactions with Chinese culture during that era. It is known for its witty portrayal of Western expats and offers a glimpse into a bygone age of travel and cultural exchange.
In 'The Summing Up', W. Somerset Maugham offers a reflective and introspective look at his life and career as a writer. The book is not an autobiography but a collection of thoughts on literature, philosophy, and the human condition. Maugham discusses his approach to writing, his views on culture and character, and shares insights into his own experiences and influences.
Cakes and Ale is a satirical novel by W. Somerset Maugham, published in 1930. It tells the story of Edward Driffield, a famous novelist, and his two wives, contrasting the vibrant and free-spirited Rosie with the more conventional Amy. The novel is narrated by William Ashenden, a character modeled after Maugham himself, and explores themes of literary reputation, social snobbery, and the complexities of human relationships.
The Painted Veil tells the story of Kitty Fane, a beautiful but vain and selfish Englishwoman married to Walter Fane, a bacteriologist in Hong Kong. When Kitty's affair with Charles Townsend is discovered, Walter presents her with an ultimatum: either Townsend must divorce his wife and marry Kitty, or she must accompany Walter to Mei-tan-fu to fight a cholera epidemic. The novel follows Kitty's transformation as she faces the harsh realities of life and death, and ultimately undergoes a spiritual awakening through her experiences and interactions with the nuns in Mei-tan-fu.
Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" is a semi-autobiographical novel exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The story follows Philip Carey, a young man with a clubfoot, as he navigates the complexities of life and relationships. Maugham's masterful storytelling and his insightful portrayal of human emotions have made "Of Human Bondage" a classic of English literature. The novel's exploration of themes such as ambition, self-discovery, and the human condition continues to resonate with readers. Its unflinching portrayal of human flaws and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships have secured its place as a literary masterpiece.
The Magicians follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but miserable high school student who is secretly preoccupied with a series of fantasy novels about a magical land called Fillory. Quentin is unexpectedly admitted to Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, where he receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. However, he soon discovers that magic does not bring him the happiness and adventure he dreamed of. After graduation, Quentin and his friends make a stunning discovery that Fillory is real, but it turns out to be much darker and more dangerous than imagined. The novel explores themes of growing up, the complexities of human emotions, and the true cost of power.
Published in 1944, 'The Razor's Edge' by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel that delves into the search for the meaning of life and the dichotomy between materialism and spirituality. The story centers around Larry Darrell, a former World War I aviator who returns to Chicago a changed man. Larry rejects conventional life and sets out on a spiritual journey, influenced by his harrowing war experiences and the death of a friend who saved his life. The novel is narrated by Maugham himself, who interacts with and observes the characters over a twenty-year period. The story explores themes of war, death, life, marriage, and profession, and contrasts Larry's spiritual pursuits with the more materialistic lives of characters like Isabel and her uncle Elliott Templeton. The novel is set in various locations including Chicago, Paris, and India, and it was one of the first Western novels to propose non-Western solutions to societal issues[4][5][2].
Send us a text
This episode originally recorded as a video 5th April 2024 as a Parton only post. I am happy now to make it publicly available.
Welcome to another bonus episode where I react to my recent reading and discussing a Philosophical or literary works from a Christian perspective. Today, we'll be exploring "The Razor's Edge" by Somerset Maugham, a novel that considers questions of faith, meaning, and the pursuit of truth.
I critically examine the themes of spiritual awakening, moral dilemmas, and the search for purpose in life, whislt at the same time revealing what I believe are it false flags and it occult influences.
Set against the backdrop of post-World War I society, "The Razor's Edge" follows the journey of its protagonist, Larry Darrell, as he embarks on a quest for enlightenment that leads him to distant lands and unexpected encounters.
Through the lens of Christian theology and philosophy, we'll analyse the characters' decisions, their struggles with doubt and temptation, and his ultimate attempt to find redemption. Does true freedom and salvation lie with the rejection of societal norms and how does the advise revelled in this modern parable line up against timeless biblical truths and teachings.
Join us as I try and unravel the layers of "The Razor's Edge" and uncover the real but dangerous spiritual advise it offers. Whether you're a literature enthusiast, a seeker of truth, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and fiction, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey of discovery, it certainly was for me anyway.
Support the show
To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com
For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon
Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
The Bible Project Daily Podcast 
