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Type: fiction
Status: to read
Author: W. Somerset Maugham
Tags: england classics drama
Description: What struck me most about this book was how well thought out the characters and their motivesWhat struck me most about this book was how well thought out the characters and their motives were. I had my reservations about this book due to the way that Maugham started it out, describing a character that in the end was of no real consequence and basically only served to introduce us to Larry and Isabel. To be perfectly honest I rather disliked Elliott and at first found the story difficult to get into because of my dislike for his character. I think that this had to do with the fact that I could not connect with him and I would have to say that I do not believe it had anything to do with Maugham's writing.
Once we see Larry for who he really is I felt myself growing fond of him. I thought that his character and story was the most interesting in the book. I instantly liked him for the fact that he seemed so determined to do what he felt he needed to do for himself. He did not allow himself to be swayed by his family members and friends when he figured out what he wanted to do.
Isabel was a semi-interesting character that at first did not peak my interest because I thought her a silly little girl but she grew on me over time. What I liked most about her character was that even after there was no hope she continued to love Larry as passionately as was possible for a human being. I do admit though that the only time I liked her was when she and Maugham were sitting together talking. Most of the time when she was with other people she changed, put on a facade that I did not at all like. I had very little respect for her because of this.
My favourite things about this book were the moments whenever Larry was on the pages and the ending. I found myself thinking that the ending was one of the most perfect things about the book.
As a whole `The Razor's Edge' was very, very well written and easy to follow.
This book is easily one of my favourites and I would have to say Maugham's greatest achievement....
2007-05-08
