Of Human Bondage  (English, Paperback, Maugham W. Somerset)

Of Human Bondage is considered an autobiographical novel. It is the tale of a young man who tries to discover what he wants to do in his life, and gets distracted by an obsessive relationship.

Summary Of the Book

Of Human Bondage is the story of Philip Carey, who was born with a club foot. At the age of nine, he becomes an orphan, as his mother Helen dies. Little Philip then goes to live with his uncle who is a vicar. Uncle William Carey and Aunt Louisa give Philip a home, but it is a very strict, very religious household.

Aunt Louisa tries to be a mother to Philip, but his uncle is not easily approachable. Philip is then sent to a boarding school, where he is isolated because of his deformed foot. As he grows up, Philip is confused about his future and his career. His uncle and aunt expect him to choose a resectable, conventional profession. Philip tries to be an accountant, but does not like it and gives it up. He then decides to learn to be an artist. He goes to Paris and enjoys the liberal lifestyle of the artist, but he discovers that he does not have much of a talent in that direction. Disillusioned, he returns back home.

He then decides to become a doctor like his father and enrolls in medical school. But then, he falls madly in love with a waitress named Mildred. She does not return his love, but he finds it hard to free himself from his obsession over her. He enters into a troubled and fruitless relationship with her. Distracted from his academics by this relationship, and confused about what he expects from life, Philip is brought near the point of ruin.

Of Human Bondage has been listed among the 100 Best English Language Novels of the 20th century by the Modern Library. There have been three movie adaptations of the book.

About W. Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham was a British author and playwright. Other popular books by him include The Hero, Liza of Lambeth, Mrs Craddock, The Moon and Sixpence, The Casuarina Tree, and The Razor's Edge.

William Somerset Maugham was born in 1874. Orphaned at a young age, he was sent to live with his uncle, a vicar. He did not have a very good home life and his school experiences were also negative. He studied German, Philosophy and Literature at Heidelberg University in Germany for a year. He then tried to find a career that would suit him, and finally was sent to medical school. His literary career also developed in parallel. His success as a writer and playwright allowed him to take up writing as his full time occupation.