The Razor's Edge

W. Somerset Maugham

Book Synopsis

"The Razor's Edge" by W. Somerset Maugham is a captivating novel that explores the journey of Larry Darrell, a young American veteran searching for meaning and spirituality in the aftermath of World War I.

Haunted by his experiences, Larry rejects societal expectations and embarks on a quest for enlightenment. His unorthodox path takes him from Chicago to Paris, and even to the mystic lands of India, where he encounters a diverse cast of characters who shape his quest.

In his pursuit, Larry encounters the elusive and enigmatic Sophie, a former socialite ravaged by tragedy and addiction. Their complicated relationship tests Larry's commitment to his spiritual journey, while also challenging the conventional notions of love and happiness.

Meanwhile, Maugham, the masterful narrator, weaves in his own observations as a dispassionate observer, sharing witty insights on the human condition and the complexities of life.

With profound philosophical undertones, "The Razor's Edge" delves into themes of purpose, self-discovery, and the elusive quest for inner fulfillment. Maugham's elegant and introspective prose explores the dichotomy between materialism and spiritual awakening, offering readers a poignant reflection on the choices we make in our pursuit of happiness.

Through Larry's transformation and the poignant stories of those he meets along the way, "The Razor's Edge" invites readers to ponder the true meaning of life and confront their own notions of purpose, destiny, and the value of human connection.

Maugham's timeless masterpiece continues to resonate with readers, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit and the eternal search for meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world.

Explore More Books

See All
A History of Western Technology
Taxes Have Consequences
The Box
The Healing Journey
The Oxford History of Britain
The River of Doubt
Road to Wigan Pier
The Opium of the Intellectuals
Fewer
Academically Adrift
Raising Girls
Sourdough Culture
The Immateriality of the Material
My Forty Years with Ford
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Visual Explanations
The Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug
More Than You Know
Prisoners of Geography
Netflixed
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
The Big Score
Trading Bases
Living With A SEAL
Trauma
Walden
Primed to Perform
Don't Shoot the Dog!
Flu
Getting to Maybe
Reminiscences of a Stock Operator
The Poems of Dylan Thomas
The Farming Ladder
Harvesting the Biosphere
Red Notice
Confessions of a Philosopher
The 80/20 Principle
Leapfrog
How To Turn Down A Billion Dollars
The Plot Against the President
Check Your Financial Privilege
Knowledge and Decisions
Hagakure
City of the Century
An Apology for the Builder
Army Of None
Solution Selling
Andrew Carnegie
Essentialism
The Iliad
The Great Crash of 1929
Exit Interview
The Seventh Sense
First a Dream
The Fatal Conceit
The Way of Kings
True Enough
The Creative Curve
Rework
Alexander Hamilton
Portfolios of the Poor
The City In History
The House of Rothschild
Seeing Like a State
Paradigms Of A.I. Programming
Alpha Girls
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire
Well
Liberty Under Seige
I Seem To Be A Verb
The Hand
Race Matters
Empires of Light
Ask The Dust
The Eden Project
The Things They Carried
The Myth of the Rational Voter
Moby Dick
On Writing
The Great Challenge
Daring Greatly
The German Generals Talk
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Hansel and Gretel
Expert Political Judgement
Bossypants
The Sleepwalkers
Lean In
Fooled By Randomness
New Power
Whole Earth Discipline
Ham on Rye
Brave New Words
Hoover Dam
Out of Many, One
Travels with Charley
Cold Calling Techniques
Hamlet
The Black Jacobins
The Choice