2026 Reading Challenge
The Razor’s Edge

Questions About The Razor’s Edge

by W. Somerset Maugham

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Answered Questions (4)

When we read this book in my AP English class there were a lot of comparisons drawn between it and The Great Gatsby. I feel like this book isn't read as much as Gatsby but in some ways it may be even more important then Gatsby. Does anyone agree with me or am I alone on this one?
Brett I certainly liked it better than the Great Gatsby, but I'm not sure what you mean by 'more important'. Do you mean in terms of other writers the book …moreI certainly liked it better than the Great Gatsby, but I'm not sure what you mean by 'more important'. Do you mean in terms of other writers the book influenced? The Razor's Edge was popular in its own time but hasn't remained as popular in the US. The Great Gatsby, on the other hand, didn't become popular until after Fitzgerald's death.

Also, could you say some more about the connection between the two books? Are you referring to the writing style? Or that they're both books about a group of friends with more money than sense? If it's the later, I would say that was just typical of early 20th century literature. Hemingway and Virginia Woolf use similar plot devices. The Razor's Edge theme is spiritual discovery, while I would say the Great Gatsby is more a criticism of the American Dream.

I think the theme of the Great Gatsby explains why it's remained so popular over time. The book was entered into the literary canon after World War II, at the peak of patriotism in America, when it came to be on high school reading lists all across the country. Even though this book is criticizing the American Dream, it's still *about* the American Dream, and that makes it appealing for a nation obsessed with defining itself. Which is, ultimately, what patriotism is about--a sort of national narcissism--and F. Scott Fitzgerald's book was a mirror Americans recognized themselves in. By comparison, The Razor's Edge is a much more personal story of someone obtaining "enlightenment" and how that changes their lives and the lives of their friends. As such, it lacks the epic quality of the Great Gatsby--plus Maugham can't write American dialog to save his life.

Anywho...that's just my opinion. I'm curious what others think. (less)
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?! I wonder why this book has almost 5 Stars...I mean the intro ,what's this book about is definitive not sounding interesting to me.
Juanita It is an excellent book. There is a lens onto the American mentality that paved way to its current state. But I also read it after watching the 1984 f…moreIt is an excellent book. There is a lens onto the American mentality that paved way to its current state. But I also read it after watching the 1984 film, so I was comparing how it was written to what was included in the film. The book, I feel, brings out the American aspect of the story, despite the action taking place in Europe and Asia.(less)
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Was the author in love with Isabella?
Mary He definitely is attracted to her and some of their dialogs and interactions tend to have a flair of flirtyness... but i wouldn´t say that he is in lo…moreHe definitely is attracted to her and some of their dialogs and interactions tend to have a flair of flirtyness... but i wouldn´t say that he is in love with her(less)
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Do you know other similar books on the topic of "Western civilization getaway" or "Eastern cultures fascination" as Maugham did?
Mary You should read Hermann Hesse, for example "Siddharta". Nietzsche also had a fair share of fascination for the eastern cultures, Maugham even talks ab…moreYou should read Hermann Hesse, for example "Siddharta". Nietzsche also had a fair share of fascination for the eastern cultures, Maugham even talks about the "eternal recurrence" maybe quoting?? Nietzsche.(less)
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