2026 Reading Challenge
Of Human Bondage

Questions About Of Human Bondage

by W. Somerset Maugham

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Of Human Bondage, please sign up.

Answered Questions (11)

Is it too young to read this at 16??? I've seen brilliant quotes from this book but unsure whether I'm mature enough to appreciate the whole piece
Bayard Miller This book has nothing to do with BDSM bondage and has everything to do with societal bondage. It's a coming of age story about an English boy with a c…moreThis book has nothing to do with BDSM bondage and has everything to do with societal bondage. It's a coming of age story about an English boy with a club foot trying to figure out what he wants out of life. I know that doesn't sound too exciting but this is my favorite book of all time and I highly recommend you give it a read.(less)
flag
i read this at 16 ,it was recommended by the high school librarian to me , i enjoyed reading it.It took me on journey that gave me moments where i looked at life a little differently and made me think where i was at that moment. Did anyone else experience this ?
Karen I read this at about 55 and, yes, I had the same feelings of looking at life -- and people-- differently. A book everyone should read. It had a profou…moreI read this at about 55 and, yes, I had the same feelings of looking at life -- and people-- differently. A book everyone should read. It had a profound effect on me.(less)
flag
Is it possibly to be in love with someone in the same manner Philip is with Mildred? So intensely and irrationally?
Joanna One can feel for somebody the same way Philip feels for Mildred, in fact it is something we see every day: if it wasn't for these types of relationshi…moreOne can feel for somebody the same way Philip feels for Mildred, in fact it is something we see every day: if it wasn't for these types of relationships we wouldn't hear so many stories about marital abuse. However I would not call it love, I prefer to call it obsession. Love can be painful for sure, but it isn't self destructive. If you decide to stay in a destructive relationship it isn't because of love in my opinion, it is because you are trying to deal with unprocessed trauma. In Philips case, he has not processed the trauma of his mother dying, so naturally he will feel attracted to women who are impossible to connect with. It's a reenactment of the desperation felt when his mother left him.(less)
flag
If I read this at age 13, would I understand it?
Erich C I first read it when I was about 14 and I'm re-reading it now many years later. The first time I read it, I had less knowledge about human psychology …moreI first read it when I was about 14 and I'm re-reading it now many years later. The first time I read it, I had less knowledge about human psychology and motivation. I was angry at the main character for being so weak, and I couldn't understand how he could love a woman who is so obviously flawed. Now that I'm older, I understand the work more deeply. So, I suggest you read it and then read it again in 30 years!(less)
flag
is it too young to read at age 13? i've seen some amazing quotes and refrences from this book and im dying to read it, but im not sure if i would fully understand it at such a young age.
Shawn Pendley I do think you would understand it for the most part, but there will be some nuances and complex ideas that you may miss simply because you don't yet …moreI do think you would understand it for the most part, but there will be some nuances and complex ideas that you may miss simply because you don't yet have certain life experiences. That's not to say you shouldn't read it! Please do -- it's a wonderful book. Each time I read it, I get more out of it and a better understanding. I read it first at 19.(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (2)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more