The Razors Edge

     Author                        W Somerset Maugham

     Country                      United States

     Genre                         Fiction: Classic

     Publication Date       1944

     Pages                          314





This again is one of those books of Somerset Maughum that has decided to stay with me. And the best way for it to stay would be to feature on my blog and hence; here it comes.

This is a story about Larry Darrell, an American pilot who is traumatized by his experience in World War 1 and he hence proceeds to lead a life in search of truth and meaning. Larry's refusal to lead a 'normal life' (as defined by the society) and to take up a regular job separates him from his then fiancé; Isabel who is unwilling to get married to someone who is leading a life of wandering & searching. Isabel goes on to marry someone of her status in society while Larry fills his life with innumerable spiritual and other experiences across Paris, India and other places. The story is interspersed with Elliott Templeton, Isabel's uncle who strives thorughout his life (and even on his death bed) to lead a life of social eminence. 

In usual Maugham style, the story flows seamlessly and the reader is left gripped with different characters in the book. The ending is particularly powerful where he points out that each character gets what he was thriving for: Larry - happiness; Isabel - an assured position in society and Elliott - social eminence. 

This powerful yet simple book leaves me with just one thought: how each of us strive for different things in life and how it's a blessing to know what one wants out of life. While to some Isabel may have seemed selfish to have not pursued her relationship with Larry, to me she's someone who exactly knows what's important for her in life and is unwilling to sign up for something lesser. While I may not be able to associate with her aspirations, her clarity around those is impressive. 

So many of us drag ourselves through life doing the so called 'right' things with absolutely no inkling of what our mind & soul truly crave for. Clarity of mind and the grit to pursue would make life so much happier!

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