As a teenager I loved OF HUMAN BONDAGE by W Somerset Maugham, with the love that is special to teenagers, private and intense. I found it profound; I found it wonderful. I was excited therefore to see CAKES AND ALE in a second hand book store, and to see it described as “the book by which Maugham most wanted to be remembered – and probably still is.”
I for sure hope not, because whereas in my memory OF HUMAN BONDAGE is an extraordinarily contemporary story of finding meaning in a meangingless world, CAKES AND ALE is a strange uptight tale of an uptight young snob and his attempt to have an affair with a woman who is much too good for him. I can’t think I’ve ever read a more dated book.
My key takeaway is: I’m never re-reading OF HUMAN BONDAGE. The memory is far too precious and I don’t want my adult self ruining it.