The W. Somerset Maugham Reader: Novels, Stories, Travel Writing : Book Review

"The W. Somerset Maugham Reader" written by Jeffrey Meyers is an expansive anthology that offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the acclaimed works of W. Somerset Maugham, a highly-regarded British writer. As a renowned literary biographer, Meyers expertly compiles a selection of short stories, plays, and extracts from novels that showcase Maugham's exceptional storytelling abilities and insightful observations of human nature.

With this thoughtfully assembled collection, Meyers presents the versatility of Maugham's writing, featuring a range of genres and themes that engross readers from beginning to end. From the haunting and enigmatic tales of "The Taipan" and "The Unconquered" to the clever and satirical dramas of "The Breadwinner" and "The Constant Wife," each piece exemplifies Maugham's talent for capturing audiences with poignant narratives and memorable characters.

Meyers enhances readers' understanding by offering insightful introductions to each work, providing valuable context and shedding light on Maugham's life and literary career. This allows readers to delve deeper into the motivations and influences behind Maugham's writings, fostering a greater appreciation for his skill and artistry as a storyteller.

Furthermore, the anthology includes a selection of Maugham's personal correspondence and essays, providing readers with a glimpse into his thoughts on a range of subjects, including literature, art, and personal reflections on his own work. This adds an additional layer of depth to the reading experience, allowing readers to gain a greater understanding of Maugham's perspectives and enriching their overall appreciation of his remarkable literary legacy.

"The W. Somerset Maugham Reader" is an essential read for both avid fans of Maugham's work and those who are new to his writing. Jeffrey Meyers' meticulous curation, accompanied by insightful commentary, delivers an engaging and enlightening experience that will leave readers eager to explore more of Maugham's exceptional literary contributions.

What are readers saying?

The W. Somerset Maugham Reader by Jeffrey Meyers has garnered a range of reactions from readers. This compilation of essays, memoirs, and criticisms offers an in-depth exploration of the renowned British author W. Somerset Maugham. Some reviewers lauded the book for its comprehensive examination of Maugham's life and literary works. They appreciated Meyers' thorough analysis and engaging insights, which provided valuable context to Maugham's writing. These readers commended Meyers for his deep knowledge of Maugham's work and his ability to present it in an accessible manner.

On the other hand, some readers expressed disappointment with the book. They criticized Meyers' writing style, finding it dry and lacking the necessary enthusiasm to captivate readers. These reviewers felt that the book leaned too heavily towards an academic approach, with an excessive focus on analysis that detracted from the enjoyment of Maugham's stories. Furthermore, several readers noted a lack of clear structure in the book, making it challenging to navigate through the various sections and follow the progression of Maugham's life and works. This lack of organization diminished the reading experience for some individuals.

Moreover, a few reviewers believed that Meyers' portrayal of Maugham was biased and overly negative. They felt that Meyers overly emphasized Maugham's personal life rather than his literary accomplishments. This skewed perspective left these readers feeling unsatisfied.

In summary, The W. Somerset Maugham Reader by Jeffrey Meyers has elicited mixed reviews. While some readers appreciated the comprehensive analysis and insights into Maugham's life and work, others found the writing style dry and the lack of structure confusing. The opinions on this book seem to hinge on differing preferences for scholarly analysis and personal criticisms.