
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham is a fictionalized account of the life of painter Paul Gauguin, depicted through the character of Charles Strickland. The novel follows Strickland's abrupt departure from his comfortable life as a stockbroker in London to pursue his passion for painting in Paris and later in Tahiti. The story explores Strickland's single-minded devotion to his art, his disregard for societal norms and personal relationships, and the impact of his choices on those around him. Maugham's writing style is described as skillful, beautiful, and perceptive, delving into the motivations of the characters and presenting a compelling narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of misogyny, abandonment, and discussions of suicide, reflecting the darker aspects of the protagonist's life and choices.
From The Publisher:
Based on the life of Paul Gauguin, The Moon and Sixpence is W. Somerset Maugham's ode to the powerful forces behind creative genius.
Charles Strickland is a staid banker, a man of wealth and privilege. He is also a man possessed of an unquenchable desire to create art. As Strickland pursues his artistic vision, he leaves London for Paris and Tahiti, and in his quest makes sacrifices that leave the lives of those closest to him in tatters. Through Maugham's sympathetic eye Strickland's tortured and cruel soul becomes a symbol of the blessing and the curse of transcendent artistic genius, and the cost in human lives it sometimes demands.
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1 comment(s)
Read for Modern British Novel literature class. I remember thinking the main character was selfish and whiny and not having a lot of sympathy for him.
About the Author:
W. Somerset Maugham was born in Paris in 1874. He trained as a doctor in London, where he started writing his first novels. In 1926 he bought a house in Cap Ferrat, France, which was to become a meeting place…
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