Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3

De: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrado por: Charlton Griffin

William Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965) took his reading material quite seriously. He said, "When I read a book, I seem to read it with my eyes only. But now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me."

Maugham's work has certainly become a part of millions of his fans today. To judge by his short story masterpieces, it was in the tiny crevasses and pinched corners of humanity that Maugham illuminated those elemental qualities that were to fascinate him all his life. In fact, the concept of a "normal" person never entered his mind. He claimed such people simply didn't exist.

Selections in Volume 3:

• Rain, perhaps Maugham's most famous story, follows the efforts of a missionary who tries to reform a wayward woman.
• The Luncheon describes the hilarious meeting of an impoverished writer and a friend with an appetite.
• Episode is an odd story of what happens when love finally gives out.
• The Poet is about a man who, in the midst of breathless anticipation, finally gets to meet the most famous poet in Spain.
• A Man with a Conscience tells a convict's story of murder and his lack of remorse.
• The Kite is the humorous story of what happens when a woman comes between her man and his passion.
• The Back of Beyond explores the volcanic emotions that are aroused when a love that is taken for granted is proven false.

Listen to more collections of The Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham.Public Domain (P)2012 Audio Connoisseur

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Griffin creates all the voices in these stories, and he does so with such conviction and believability that this reviewer double-checked the package to make sure a woman had not read some of the parts. He artfully captures the contempt, snobbery, or roughness of his characters, all the while managing British accents that immediately give away the character's class. Music is used with great care to underscore Maugham's words, and a subtle use of sound effects makes the stories all the more vivid. Listening to this world-class production is a wonderful way to spend a cold winter night." ( The Boston Globe)

The Kings English

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

variation of stories....unwavering narratives.... great wines each...

What other book might you compare Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 to and why?

I and II from the same cellar.

Which scene was your favorite?

George Moon and Tom at the end.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Brilliance in the use of language and theatre.

Any additional comments?

Audible is good.

Maugham is always good, but not always great

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I would say this is the bottom of the list of Maughan short stories. They are OK, but not memorable. It has been a week since I listened to them, and if you asked me what they are about I would have to say I don't remember.

Would you be willing to try another book from W. Somerset Maugham? Why or why not?

Of course. When he is great he is great. But not here.

Which character ??? as performed by Charlton Griffin ??? was your favorite?

Sorry, can't remember

Could you see Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Charlton Griffin is hard to understand.

Would you consider the audio edition of Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 to be better than the print version?

no

What did you like best about this story?

Maughm is a good writer and I appreciate his ironic endings.

What three words best describe Charlton Griffin’s performance?

brittle, muffled, heavily accented.

If you could take any character from Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The verger at St. Peters. He was undoubtedly a wise man.

Great narrator and great book, rare indeed

Charlton Griffin is one of the greater narrators you will find on audible. His vocal range is amazing, and he is pleasant to listen to.

It helps that he has great stories to read to the listener. Contemporary writers do not have the wit, skill, patience, and talent of Maugham. Think of Chekhov with an English sensibility. I also enjoy the colonial settings of most of his stories. Not to be missed if you dislike genre fiction as much as I do and enjoy actual literature.

New Raving Somerset Fan

After reading a brief biography of Somerset Maugham's life I was interested in reading his books. I've started with Short Stories 2 and 3 and while 3 was my favorite they were both really great. Even though they are shorter then a lot of the other books, they are worth every cent or full credit point. His stories are detailed and colorful and really get you thinking about every side of a problem and story. It seems his goal is to help you consider another side of your set opinion on right and wrong and morality and never take anyone or anything at face value or for granted. These stories will keep you thinking which is the best part of reading or listening to any book. This narrator was great, and although it was dramatized in parts which is something I don't usually like, he does it so well that I actually enjoyed it and helped add color to characters.