W. Somerset Maugham
641 pages
An obsessive love affair provides the pivot of this powerful evocation of a young man's progress to maturity in the years before the First World War.
This novel is outstanding and virtually flawless, making it a worthy suggestion for anyone seeking beautiful literature.
This perceptive bildungsroman follows Philip Carrey, a boy with a club foot, exploring themes of isolation and personal growth. With a beautiful and meaningful happy ending, it runs the gamut of emotions and teaches that you choose your own path in life. It's a book worth revisiting at different stages to reflect on Philip's myriad experiences.