The Razor's Edge

By: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrated by: Michael Page

A compelling novel of self-discovery and the search for meaning from the author of The Painted Veil.

The Great War changed everything and everyone, and Larry Darrell is no exception. Though his physical wounds from the war heal, his spirit is changed almost beyond recognition. He leaves his betrothed, the beautiful and devoted Isabel; studies philosophy and religion in Paris; lives as a monk, and witnesses the exotic hardships of Spanish life. All of life that he can find - from an Indian Ashrama to labor in a coal mine - becomes Larry's spiritual experiment as he spurns the comfort and privilege of the Roaring 20s.

This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

©1944 W. Somerset Maugham and renewed in 1971 by Elizabeth Mary, Baroness Glendevon (P)1994 Brilliance Audio

Stick with it

A friend recommended this book to me after I commented on how beautifully written A Gentleman in Moscow was. That is what I loved about listening to the audio book, the language, the grammar, the elegance. Honestly, it is a slow start but before you realize, you are caught up in the story and the characters. Following Larry around the world in search of something unspoken was ultimately paid off in an eye opening chapter. The Razors Edge is now in my top 10 favorite books of all time.

A thin line between good and evil

a very moving and relevant story that nicely bridges the gap between Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby and Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. The balance of life is portrayed well in this novel by Maugham.

Great story

Great book, well written.... The Larry character as were the others really made me think about life differently....

Psychological Intrique

This was my 3rd book from Maugham and I did enjoy it. He excells at developing charcters and their toxic relationships. I really enjoyed how the narrator plays himself (the author). It made for an unique perspective and it was one of the many things I liked most about the book. At times, the dialogue does go off into lengthy philosphical and religious discussions as one of the main characters relates his experiences with various holly men, especially towards the end of the book. If you like Maugham's style of writing, give it a read. The narrator was excellent!

Great book by a Great Writer

Exceptionally interesting book and characters in a very well-written tale. Narrator did an outstanding job.

Amazing listen

Michael Page quite simply nailed it. Every accent, every nuance. I want him to read all my books. Brilliant.

FAITHFUL RENDERING OF A CLASSIC

Maugham's classic about a man's search for spiritual understanding is worth revisiting, even if the social setting and characters seem dated. And it's hard to see how Michael Page's reading could be any better, as he faithfully channel's the narrator's (i.e. Maugham's) prejudices, attitudes and values.

A very thought provoking work!

How many of us desire to lead a life of detachment and to evolve to that point as Larry. It is a very interesting study of the human consciousness vs social consciousnesses. It is no wonder that Paul Twitchell and Sri Harold Klemp mentioned this book in their spiritual studies of Eckankar.

Great listening

Love it, I’m like the length and of course the content. Would
Listen to it again.

A pitiless and amusing social portrait / critique

It is a very entertaining book.

The irony and the venomous jabs of the author are directed to everyone, even to himself. The subtle irony and the detatchment with which the story is narrated make of this book a pleasant read.

Only one of the protagonists is spared by the author's merciless pen, possibly to juxtapose his wholeness to the comparative emptiness of the other characters.