Of Human Bondage

Of Human Bondage

by W. Somerset Maugham

Driving in my car to Providence, RI, Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA provided a lot of time to listen to a fairly long audiobook, Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset Maugham.  The story begins with the death of Helen Carey months after her husband’s death, leaving son Philip orphaned.  Philip, age nine, was moved to live with his aunt and uncle, Luisa and William, at their home.  William was a pastor and treated Philip as a student and eventually sent him to a boy’s boarding school.  The transition was difficult for Philip as he had a club foot, a physical deformity that haunted him throughout much of his life.  Philip was well educated, spending much of his time reading due to his physical handicap.  He was aloof and distant from his classmates, demonstrating a fierce independence that led him to leave the boarding school and his relative’s home for an adventure to Germany.  Much of Philip’s life consisted of exploring many potential careers while attempting to find a companion who would show him the affection he so desired.  Philip’s travels included Paris, London and other cities that he felt ‘called him to visit’.  Philip attempts a life as an artist, doctor, business, and midwife, all while he tries to find love.  Philip has bad luck with women – some of those who fall in love with him commit suicide when he doesn’t reciprocate the feeling, and one that he fell in love with, Mildred, uses him for his money.  This is truly a coming of age book that covers the story of a man who is searching for love and his dream career but finds himself settling for a career that is routine, marriage, and a comfortable life.  Maybe we should be satisfied with what is in front of us, rather than thinking it is always “around the corner”, somewhere else.  Somerset presents a complex character who we loathe but eventually learn to support. Perhaps there is a little bit of Philip in all of us.  Truly a classic.  Complete character development in a life that is worth living.  Kudos!