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Maugham is a master of the easy read. His novels flow so easily but have an emotional bite. Once again he writes of the frail human condition but the protaganist tries to overcome her weaknesses. There are valid ideals in Maugham's novels that propel the reader to cheer for the opppressed. This book is no exception. Don't expect to be uplifted but you will be able to relate to the situation of Kitty. Well worth the time!

The Painted Veil is a delight to read, a sometimes cruel but more often sympathetic description of the weakness of the human condition. The characters are well-delineated and the sympathy they elicit is almost heart-wrenching. It's all there, fear, desperation, revenge, petty spite but love and forgiveness too. Maughams almost ethereal perception of human emotions stripped of their masks is disconcerting but nonetheless deeply, deeply moving.

Maugham's keen perception of human frailty and complex courage had always been his trade mark. This book is no exception. Many of us will ientify with the struggles of the characters in the story. It'll make you think, and it may give you peace.

Maugham is my favourite author,and The Painted Veil is one of his best books.I ended up so involoved with all the character's welfare that I couldn't put it down.A real page turner.As usual,this book has a lot to say about the human condition and has little tidbits of philosophy and deep thoughts throughout.The movie version is also excellent,but nowhere near as good as the book.