Of Human Bondage - Teaser Tuesday and First Chapter / First Paragraph

Every once in a while I tackle one of those books that we're "supposed" to read, which is why I bought a copy of Of Human Bondage by M. Somerset Maugham for my Kindle. So far, I'm enjoying it, but it's much longer than books I usually read. It also took a while to get used to the author's writing style and point of view shifts. But the story is definitely interesting and relevant, even though it was written a hundred years ago. (And NO, it isn't that kind of bondage!)

Here's the first paragraph:
The day broke gray and dull. The clouds hung heavily, and there was a rawness in the air that suggested snow. A woman servant came into a room in which a child was sleeping and drew the curtains. She glanced mechanically at the house opposite, a stucco house with a portico, and went to the child's bed.

I like the description in this Teaser from 20% on my Kindle: She was so thin that she seemed almost transparent, the arms she put round his neck were frail bones that reminded you of chicken bones, and her faded face was oh! so wrinkled. The gray curls which she still wore in the fashion of her youth gave her a queer, pathetic look; and her little withered body was like an autumn leaf, you felt it might be blown away by the first sharp wind.

Amazon link: Of Human Bondage
Length: 642 Pages
Genre: Literary Fiction / Classic

Synopsis from Goodreads: Originally published in 1915, Of Human Bondage is a potent expression of the power of sexual obsession and of modern man's yearning for freedom. This classic bildungsroman tells the story of Philip Carey, a sensitive boy born with a clubfoot who is orphaned and raised by a religious aunt and uncle. Philip yearns for adventure, and at eighteen leaves home, eventually pursuing a career as an artist in Paris. When he returns to London to study medicine, he meets the androgynous but alluring Mildred and begins a doomed love affair that will change the course of his life.

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please!Link at  ADailyRhythm.com



First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intros is hosted by Bibliophile By The Sea. To participate, share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you're reading or thinking about reading soon.

Link at  BibliophileByTheSea