January 2020 - Ashenden by W. Somerset Maugham

[ShanDizzy]

I feel similar to what Bruce and Lesley expressed. I am enjoying these spy tales so far. Ashenden is an interesting non-spy spy, I think.

[Jan C]

I think one of the things I liked about this book when I read it (some years ago now) was that I could put it down. I don't usually like books of short stories - but perhaps that was due to the authors not being great short story writers.

[Susan]

It isn't the book I would suggest as a 'first' Maugham, to be honest, even though I really like it. Still, it's great that some of our group are trying him for the first time and may be led on to some of his other work.

[Tania]

Jan C wrote: "I think one of the things I liked about this book when I read it (some years ago now) was that I could put it down. I don't usually like books of short stories - but perhaps that was due to the aut..."

I'm agree, I'm not racing through it, but pick it up occasionally and read a chapter or two. I do like it, but It's not his best in my opinion, and I hope it won't put people off his other novels. I agree with Susan that it's not the best one to start with.

[Jackie]

too late, since I already started with this one! but I am liking it better further along and will certainly consider more by the same author.
I like that Ashenden is smart, but not fearless - in fact, just knowing he gets nervous about missing a train makes me really like him. too often a "spy" is too perfect/brave/superhuman and I can't relate to them!
and he considers himself shy! I like that, too.

[Susan in NC]

Jan C wrote: "I think one of the things I liked about this book when I read it (some years ago now) was that I could put it down. I don't usually like books of short stories - but perhaps that was due to the aut..."

That’s what I liked, but in a fervor of a New Year’s cleaning up of my library TBR list, and a reading challenge from another group, I’m staring at a tall pile of library books, and this one isn’t calling me back - for now! I may read it at some future time, it’ll be on my kindle, but although I appreciated the way it honestly portrayed the tedious reality of the Great Game on it’s fringes as our author lived it, it also wasn’t compelling. I enjoyed it while reading, but didn’t urgently want to dash back to it.

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "It isn't the book I would suggest as a 'first' Maugham, to be honest, even though I really like it. Still, it's great that some of our group are trying him for the first time and may be led on to s..."

Thanks, can you recommend a Maugham that you think would be a good introduction to his work?

[Susan in NC]

Tania wrote: "Jan C wrote: "I think one of the things I liked about this book when I read it (some years ago now) was that I could put it down. I don't usually like books of short stories - but perhaps that was ..."

Susan wrote: "It isn't the book I would suggest as a 'first' Maugham, to be honest, even though I really like it. Still, it's great that some of our group are trying him for the first time and may be led on to s..."

Either of you, and the rest of the group who have read him - would you name another title you think would be more of an intro? Sorry to put you all on the spot, but I don’t want to overlook or stereotype an author based on one book! Thanks.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Of the few that I have read, I think the best is The Painted Veil. Others have said they might try The Magician, which was my least favorite.

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "too late, since I already started with this one! but I am liking it better further along and will certainly consider more by the same author.
I like that Ashenden is smart, but not fearless - in f..."

Good points - and I liked when he gets back to his room after a cold, miserable ferry ride and walk through the snow, all he wants is a hot bath and a drink, but has to deal with one more, rather risky thing...who among us can’t relate to that?! Ok, maybe not having the police there to grill you, but just desperately wanting a hot bath and warm meal in front of the fireplace, and the privacy and peace of your room to enjoy it?

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Of the few that I have read, I think the best is The Painted Veil. Others have said they might try The Magician, which was my least favorite."

Thank you, Elizabeth.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I am encouraged by this to try more short stories by Maugham, as well as novels. He published many collections during his lifetime.

[Jan C]

My first was The Painted Veil. I would definitely not recommend starting with The Magician. I heard that even Maugham wasn't that crazy about it. I have been reading it for years, and have barely made a dent in it.

One of his other short story collections is Rain and Other South Sea Stories, which I am hoping to get to soon (I've been saying that for a while).

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I am encouraged by this to try more short stories by Maugham, as well as novels. He published many collections during his lifetime."

Good to know, thanks. I liked his wry, self-deprecating tone, and his honesty about the long hours of tedium broken by moments of fear over being caught or exposed.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

What I have appreciated about Maugham is 1) his characterizations; and 2) his writing style.

I'm glad that there are several in this group who have tried this, even though with my nomination I said it was somewhat different for the group. It is the right period, but perhaps not the best subject and medium.

I think there are other authors who have written short stories that are more mysteries. Who has read one/some, and do you have a recommendation?

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "What I have appreciated about Maugham is 1) his characterizations; and 2) his writing style.

I'm glad that there are several in this group who have tried this, even though with my nomination I sa..."

I’ve seen British Library Crime Classics is reissuing short story collections by some of our golden age authors, often along a theme, like plots involving travel by train, or European travel, or science.

, Capital Crimes: London Mysteries , and Blood on the Tracks: Railway Mysteries , The Measure of Malice: Scientific Mysteries

The one I read last year was a very enjoyable “taste” of several authors, and one I can recommend: The Long Arm of the Law: Classic Police Stories , all police procedurals, but interesting to compare different styles and authors.

[Tania]

Like Jan C and Elizabeth, The Magician is my least favourite so far. I really enjoyed The Painted Veil and Cakes and Ale. I think some of his books are in the public domain there, (including Of Human Bondage, first published in 1915 and considered his masterpiece, though I haven't read it yet), so it might be worth checking out Project Gutenberg.

[Susan in NC]

Jan C wrote: "My first was The Painted Veil. I would definitely not recommend starting with The Magician. I heard that even Maugham wasn't that crazy about it. I have been reading it f..."

Thanks very much, Jan - in trying new authors, I appreciate what to avoid as much as what to absolutely read - so few books, so little time, why waste it? Especially on something the author himself may not have been thrilled with...and my TBR list, I’m embarrassed to say, goes back years, I don’t know how I think I’m going to get to all these books!

[Susan in NC]

Tania wrote: "Like Jan C and Elizabeth, The Magician is my least favourite so far. I really enjoyed The Painted Veil and Cakes and Ale. I think some of his books are in ..."

Thank you, Tania! Painted Veil sounds very interesting, and I hadn’t heard of Cakes and Ale, appreciate it - just read the blurb, sounds promising and to my taste for satire!

[Valerie]

I agree that The Painted Veil would be a good next choice for reading Maugham.

I'm a big fan of his writing. The first book of his I read was Of Human Bondage!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Susan in NC wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "What I have appreciated about Maugham is 1) his characterizations; and 2) his writing style.

I'm glad that there are several in this group who have tried this, even tho..."

Thanks, Susan. Titles to peruse - my favorite time sink. ;-)

[Susan in NC]

Valerie wrote: "I agree that The Painted Veil would be a good next choice for reading Maugham.

I'm a big fan of his writing. The first book of his I read was Of Human Bondage!"

Thanks, Valerie - Of Human Bondage is probably the title I was most familiar with of Maugham’s books, glad to get the consensus of other books to try!

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "What I have appreciated about Maugham is 1) his characterizations; and 2) his writing style.

I'm glad that there are several in this group who have ..."

You bet - short story collections can be delightful intellectual palate cleansers in between other books! Pick them up, savor a bit, put them down for another time.

[Leslie]

If you like short stories, I would recommend Rain and Other South Sea Stories. For a full length novel, The Razor's Edge is excellent. Cakes and Ale I thought very funny, a great satire on Victorian English novelists.

[Susan in NC]

Leslie wrote: "If you like short stories, I would recommend Rain and Other South Sea Stories. For a full length novel, The Razor's Edge is excellent. Cakes and Ale I though..."

Thanks, Leslie.

[Judy]

I thought Rain was brilliant - a short story, but as memorable as a novel.

[Jackie]

Cakes and Ale looks good, I love a satire. and, my library has it!

[Bruce]

I saw the movie of the Painted Veil, and somewhat liked it at the time, but I find it one of the most infuriating for the two main plot points in addition to the end. I don’t think I could watch it now or read the book. If the book is anything like it, I would NOT recommend it.

From what I know of the plot of Of Human Bondage, there’s some similar events, although not quite the same.

[Jan C]

I think the book was different from the movie - both versions. Not sure what plot points you are referring to.

[Bruce]

I mean, I can’t say the plot point without spoiling it, although I don’t know if spoilers count for that book/movie. Basically what she does to Walter and what happens to him. I know it was about redemption, but still.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Bruce wrote: "Basically what she does to Walter"

This sounds like the movie didn't follow the book very closely.

[Judy]

Bruce wrote: "I mean, I can’t say the plot point without spoiling it, although I don’t know if spoilers count for that book/movie. Basically what she does to Walter and what happens to him. I know it was about r..."

Thanks, Bruce - I think we do need to bear spoilers in mind for other books and movies even if they are not mysteries. You can post with spoiler tags if you want to go into more detail (the tags still only work on the website unfortunately, though.)

[Jackie]

I stopped reading at some point; just lost momentum. I made it through chapter 10. it's OK reading but not compelling.

[Jackie]

I went back and read a bit more last night and I wanted to say chapter 13 "The Flip of a Coin" was very good. The decisions that must be made in war are very well presented. How much loss of life is justified for the larger good? What if those lives we are talking about are innocent as opposed to "the enemy"?
in the end, Ashenden demonstrated he knows there is no good answer, so they just flip a coin. and we do NOT find out which way it went.
I felt sad after reading it, as I think we all should.

[Sandy]

Jackie wrote: "I went back and read a bit more last night and I wanted to say chapter 13 "The Flip of a Coin" was very good. The decisions that must be made in war are very well presented. How much loss of life i..."

That is one of the stories I think I will always remember: not any of the details but how the decision was made.