Discover books similar to "Of Human Bondage"

W. Somerset Maugham

Of Human Bondage

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"Of Human Bondage" is a powerful and poignant novel written by W. Somerset Maugham, first published in 1915. The book is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's own experiences and struggles, and it is considered one of his greatest works. The story follows the life of Philip Carey, a young man who is orphaned and left to be raised by his aunt. Philip is born with a clubfoot, which makes him feel self-conscious and inadequate throughout his life. He is also plagued by a deep sense of spiritual longing, which leads him to explore various religious beliefs and philosophies. Philip's search for meaning and purpose takes him on a journey through art school, medical school, and a series of failed relationships. He becomes infatuated with a waitress named Mildred, who treats him poorly and ultimately rejects him. Philip's obsession with Mildred causes him great pain and suffering, and he is forced to confront his own weaknesses and insecurities. Throughout the novel, Maugham explores themes of love, identity, and the human condition. He delves into the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which we are often bound by our own emotions and desires. The character of Philip Carey is deeply flawed, but he is also deeply human, and readers cannot help but root for him as he stumbles his way towards self-discovery. "Of Human Bondage" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the struggles we all face as we search for meaning and purpose in our lives. Maugham's prose is elegant and precise, and his characters are complex and fully realized. This is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page...

List of books similar to "Of Human Bondage":

Ernest Hemingway

The Sun Also Rises

Like 'Of Human Bondage', this Hemingway classic explores themes of love, loss, and disillusionment. Its protagonist, Jake Barnes, grapples with his own personal demons while navigating the complexities of relationships and identity in 1920s Paris.

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James Joyce

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

This semi-autobiographical novel by Joyce, like 'Of Human Bondage', delves into the psychological development of its protagonist, Stephen Dedalus. Both works examine the struggle for self-discovery and the search for meaning in life.

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J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

In the same vein as 'Of Human Bondage', this novel explores the themes of adolescent angst, disillusionment, and the search for identity. Its protagonist, Holden Caulfield, grapples with the complexities of growing up in a world that he finds both fascinating and repulsive.

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Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha

Much like 'Of Human Bondage', this novel follows the journey of its protagonist, Siddhartha, as he seeks enlightenment and self-discovery. Both works examine the human condition and the search for meaning in life.

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Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', explores themes of beauty, morality, and the human condition. Its protagonist, Dorian Gray, grapples with the consequences of his own hedonistic choices, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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Vladimir Nabokov

Lolita

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', delves into the complexities of desire, love, and obsession. Its protagonist, Humbert Humbert, is a deeply flawed character who is driven by his own passions and desires, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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Thomas Hardy

Jude the Obscure

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', explores themes of love, loss, and social class. Its protagonist, Jude Fawley, grapples with the constraints of society and the limitations placed upon him, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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Virginia Woolf

Mrs. Dalloway

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', delves into the complexities of the human mind and the human condition. Its protagonist, Clarissa Dalloway, grapples with her own identity and the choices she has made in her life, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', explores themes of love, social class, and the constraints placed upon individuals by society. Its protagonist, Newland Archer, must navigate the complexities of high society and the expectations placed upon him, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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Thomas Hardy

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', explores themes of love, loss, and social class. Its protagonist, Tess Durbeyfield, grapples with the challenges of her own social status and the limitations placed upon her, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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Edith Wharton

Ethan Frome

This novel, like 'Of Human Bondage', explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Its protagonist, Ethan Frome, is a deeply flawed character who is driven by his own passions and desires, much like Philip Carey in 'Of Human Bondage'.

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