Cakes and Ale

or The Skeleton in the Cupboard

De: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrado por: Neil Hunt

Of all Somerset Maugham’s novels this is the most entertaining and arguably his best ever. Rosie is a barmaid with a heart of gold and a skeleton in her closet. Maugham’s portrait of her makes his novel fairly glow with witty observations of the contemporary literary scene. Features Willie Ashenden, who resurfaces in Maugham’s Ashenden.

©1930 William Somerset Maugham (P)1987 Recorded Books, LLC

Story

I loved the introduction. The sweep of the story, and the protagonist. Excellent characters and development

A look at infidelity and the creative spark

Infidelity and inspiration during a writer's career are explored. A tragedy is revealed to be the cause of both.

Great character, a little slow towards the end

but still gratifying. narration is a perfect match for the tale. a soothing, thoughtful listen. recommended.

It stunk.

Boring, boring, and then boring still. Let’s go over it one more time, this bores.

Huh?

Slow start with a weak end… perhaps I am missing, or perhaps I need to know about the Author before going in…?

Trite

I was surprised to find this famous novel so boring! When I was young, I liked Somerset Maugham's stories set in the East, though they were pretty predictable: Upper class Brits without a clue. This book is obviously autobiographical and the author is coy about it. But, my big complaint is the huge numbers of cliches he uses. It's just amazing! Also infuriating! He also slows down the story with asides about Art and Beauty and Literature.