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The Painted Veil

By: W. Somerset Maugham
Narrated by: Sophie Ward
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Summary

This is the story of Kitty Fane, the adulterous wife of a bacteriologist stationed in Hong Kong. When her husband discovers her deception, he exacts a terrible vengeance: Kitty must accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic in China.

The Painted Veil was recently made into a feature film starring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.

©2006 W. Somerset Maugham (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
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Critic reviews

"[Maugham is] the modern writer who has influenced me the most." (George Orwell)
"An expert craftsman....His style is sharp, quick, subdued, casual."( The New York Times)
" The Painted Veil, with its sadness, its moral tension, its irony and compassion, its building evocations of lust and terror and remorse, is a work of art." ( Spectator)

What listeners say about The Painted Veil

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A wonderful story

What a lovely story this is and read beautifully by Sophie Ward. The description of the areas described made me feel like I was there and although the story was very sad in places, I was glad that the ending was a happy one for father and daughter. I loved it!

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Great book

Such depth to the story and characters. A really enjoyable listen. Narration was good too.

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Superb, thought-provoking storytelling

This is one of those books that stays in my mind long after I had finished listening. The characters seem so real that the tragedies that unfold left me feeling sad on their behalf. None are flawless which makes it more authentic. The story set in the 1920s reflects the unhappiness and havoc that can ensue when marriage is the only option for a woman, desperate not to be left on the shelf, marries without love. The story makes one think about how people react when they feel betrayed by a loved one and either seek revenge or are forgiving. The emotional pain of marriage breakdown is little different today compared to 100 years ago but the social upheaval is thankfully far less damaging. Although sad it is a wonderfully well-told story beautifully narrated. Highly recommended.

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11 people found this helpful

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Beautifully, vividly written

A story of themes often found in great writing. compelling, haunting, poignant and finally hopeful. Still feel upset about Walter, though he understood the choice he made.

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beautiful story

I absolutely loved this book, it had me spellbound from the first paragraph. it was read beautifully and I'm sorry it's finished

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A beautifully read classic...

An evocative classic that opens a unique window into British life in the Far East via the deteriorating relationship between a doctor and his wife. This was my first Somerset Maugham book and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Sophie Ward does a splendid job at narration. Recommended.

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Sad but not without hope

I found this really easy to listen to. The scene was set and I could imagine the rooms, costumes and the characters. Would def recommend to others.

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The painted Veil

I loved this book and the narration was excellent. I was wanting more when it came to the end. I can imagine Kitty being so much wiser when she embarked on the next chapter of her life. It stayed with me long after I had finished it.

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Very redolent if it’s time.

The story was evocative of the time in which it was set. Somerset maughan was a fine writer able to summon a vision of the places in the book. I really enjoyed reading of the dilemmas of women of that era.

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Beautiful

Beautiful, serene, quite affectionate style of writing, I did enjoy this book despite its often old fashioned language, the whole thing was very captivating and special.



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15 people found this helpful