Book Review - Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham

When I was about two-thirds through the book, I was getting so exasperated by Philip’s (the protagonist) foolish, maudlin, almost masochistic kind of blind passion for an undeserving woman named Mildred, that I was ready to give up reading there and then. But then I pressed on, and I’m glad that I did.

Overall, for a “bildungsroman” (coming-of-age story), I find “Of Human Bondage” tending a bit much on the grim and dark side of life throughout with almost no relief until the very end, when a silver lining finally appears. Also, I personally feel that the novel is too drawn out and a rather slow read. So, for those who are interested in reading the novel, I would advise them to exercise patience.

Now let’s turn to the positive aspect of the novel. I quite like the way the author inspires his readers to think deeply about the meaning of life, and I personally am inclined towards his philosophical thinking which is expressed through Philip’s inner thoughts as he progresses through life.

Philip’s young life (from the time he is nine to the time when he turns thirty) can be termed one big tragedy. Generally, it is filled with morose sadness (he is orphaned from the age of nine) and misfortune (he was born with a clubfoot). At various stages, he is plagued by morbid inhibition and failure (at socializing in school and at work), excruciating heartbreak (over his wretched love relationship with Mildred and betrayal by Griffiths), desolation (over the deaths of his close friends), despair and destitution at one point, and desperate loneliness due to his acute sensitivities and general distrust in people.

Yet, despite all his sufferings and pain, Philip seldom fails to try to do the right thing even if it means he would be all the worse for it, and would actually let others take advantage of his generosity, kindness and good-naturedness. He is even philosophical enough to urge himself to forgive Mildred and Griffiths, because they “could not help themselves”. In fact, the whole human race “were the helpless instruments of blind chance”.

His poet friend Cronshaw once tells him that he must find out the meaning of existence by himself and gives him a piece of old Persian rug as a present. This sentence perhaps sums up the epiphany that Philip comes to discover: “He told himself strenuously that he must accept with gaiety everything, dreariness and excitement, pleasure and pain, because it added to the richness of the design.”

In the end though, Philip also discovers that the simplest pattern is likewise the most perfect. He realizes this when he decides to marry Sally instead of sticking to his dream plan of travelling to all corners of the world in search of beauty. Simple happiness that a man finds in work, marriage, family and children is ultimately the perfect happiness. This is the silver lining!

Finally, I would have to say that I liked “The Painted Veil” much better. I’m giving this acclaimed masterpiece 3 out of 5 stars.