The Painted Veil
The Painted Veil by William Somerset Maugham, published by Albatross in 1947, is a novel that explores the complexities of love and betrayal. Set against the contrasting backdrops of England and Hong Kong, the story centers on Kitty and Walter, a mismatched couple grappling with infidelity and the repercussions of their choices. The title references a line from a sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley, hinting at deeper themes of perception and reality within their tumultuous relationship.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into the emotional struggles of its characters, particularly as Kitty faces the consequences of her actions following an affair. The novel examines themes of family life and romance, set against the backdrop of a cholera outbreak in mainland China. With 252 pages, this edition offers a rich exploration of human conflict and the intricacies of marital dynamics, making it a significant addition to the literature and fiction genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
“How can I be reasonable? To me our love was everything and you were my whole life. It is not very pleasant to realize that to you it was only an episode.” -Kitty, The Painted Veil (1925) by Somerset Maugham The Painted Veil (1925) by Somerset Maugham is a romance set in England and Hong Kong. The title refers to the first line of a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley: “Lift not the painted veil which those who live / Call Life.” The author delves deep into the psyche of a mismatched married couple, Kitty and Walter, dealing with affairs and adultery. After Kitty’s affair is discovered, Walter gives her the ultimatum of accompanying him to cholera-stricken mainland China or enduring a publicly humiliating divorce. This is just a glimpse of a page-turning novel filled with human conflict that any reader will want to add to their personal library.
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