Of Human Bondage

W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965)

Of Human Bondage, published in 1915, is considered to be W. Somerset Maugham’s best work. Many believe the novel to be one of the world’s literary masterpieces. The story follows Phillip Carey from early childhood through his 30’s. Orphaned at 9, Phillip spends his early years raised by his childless aunt and uncle. His aunt tries to be a mother to Philip, but she is unsure how to behave whereas his uncle, a vicar, takes a cold disposition towards him. Philip is sent to a boarding school but his shyness and his club foot make it difficult for him to fit in. The novel follows this theme throughout as Phillip travels to Germany, France, and England, makes new acquaintances, searches for his life’s calling, and experiences romantic episodes. Mildred in particular, will leave you wondering about Phillip's obsession and passion for such a woman. More than a few of us have had “our Mildred”. The characters in Of Human Bondage are real-life with faults, qualities, and feelings that Maugham describes so vividly. It would not be unusual that we have encountered individuals with traits similar to the characters in this book. At times the emotions in this novel, so simply but purely written, will leave you either sad or happy and even perhaps, teary-eyed as the enthusiasm of youth is met with reality as Phillip tries to discover the meaning of HIS life through the dreams of others. (Summary by the Tom Weiss)

Genre(s): General Fiction

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Chapters 1 through 6 Tom Weiss
00:48:02
Play 02 Chapters 7 through 12 Tom Weiss
00:53:45
Play 03 Chapters 13 through 16 Tom Weiss
00:47:39
Play 04 Chapters 17 through 20 Tom Weiss
00:41:28
Play 05 Chapters 21 through 23 Tom Weiss
00:42:04
Play 06 Chapters 24 through 28 Tom Weiss
00:50:55
Play 07 Chapters 29 through 32 Tom Weiss
00:44:07
Play 08 Chapters 33 through 35 Tom Weiss
00:50:38
Play 09 Chapters 36 through 39 Tom Weiss
00:47:55
Play 10 Chapters 40 through 42 Tom Weiss
00:45:54
Play 11 Chapters 43 through 45 Tom Weiss
00:52:04
Play 12 Chapters 46 through 48 Tom Weiss
00:51:18
Play 13 Chapters 49 through 52 Tom Weiss
00:59:14
Play 14 Chapters 53 through 56 Tom Weiss
00:46:16
Play 15 Chapters 57 through 60 Tom Weiss
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Play 16 Chapters 61 through 65 Tom Weiss
00:52:00
Play 17 Chapters 66 through 69 Tom Weiss
00:55:14
Play 18 Chapters 70 through 73 Tom Weiss
00:56:34
Play 19 Chapters 74 through 77 Tom Weiss
00:50:44
Play 20 Chapters 78 through 80 Tom Weiss
00:41:59
Play 21 Chapters 81 through 84 Tom Weiss
00:52:57
Play 22 Chapters 85 through 87 Tom Weiss
00:41:33
Play 23 Chapters 88 through 91 Tom Weiss
00:49:51
Play 24 Chapters 92 through 94 Tom Weiss
00:45:09
Play 25 Chapters 95 through 97 Tom Weiss
00:44:39
Play 26 Chapters 98 through 101 Tom Weiss
00:47:51
Play 27 Chapters 102 thtough 104 Tom Weiss
00:28:35
Play 28 Chapters 105 thtough 107 Tom Weiss
00:45:04
Play 29 Chapters 108 through 110 Tom Weiss
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Play 30 Chapters 111 through 113 Tom Weiss
00:43:00
Play 31 Chapters 114 through 117 Tom Weiss
00:52:05
Play 32 Chapters 118 through 120 Tom Weiss
00:38:30
Play 33 Chapters 121 through 122 Tom Weiss
00:24:48