First published in 1925, The Painted Veil is an affirmation of the human capacity to grow, change, and forgive. Set in England and Hong Kong in the 1920s, it is the story of the beautiful but shallow young Kitty Fane. When her husband discovers her adulterous affair, he forces her to accompany him to a remote region of China ravaged by a cholera epidemic.
Stripped of the British society of her youth and overwhelmed by the desolation around her, she is compelled by her awakening conscience to reassess her life. She takes up work with children at a convent, but when her husband dies, she is forced to return to England to her father, her one remaining relative, to raise her unborn child. Though too late for her marriage, she has learned humility, independence, and how to love.
My husband picked this one out. He is a great fan of Maugham's. I was only aware of him from old movies made from his books. I liked this pick. I found his characters real and relatable even from this time period. Kitty is very believable as are her situations. It's not a light read (or listen) but definitely well worth your time!
ps As a rule i only listen to unabridged books as i have found i don't like the way some things are cut in the abridged versions (plus i want all of the author's words...his/her voice)!
5 comments:
Thats really good to know... I have to admit - I did not know what unabridged means. I haven't listened to a lot of audio books but I really should do so - our cabin is a 3 1/2 trip up North so I do have down time...LOL... cant really read and drive now can I?
Unabridged is ... full length. The abridged versions cut parts that are considered "unimportant."
my problem with abridged is what some folks consider "unimportant" may not be for me.
Exactamundo ... :)
I loved audiobooks! I find that if I find a book too boring to read traditionally I can get through it on audio.
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