The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham, published in 1919, loosely follows the life of Paul Gauguin through protagonist Charles Strickland, a stockbroker who abandons his family and job to pursue painting. Narrated by Crabbe in an episodic structure, the story details Strickland's life in Paris and Tahiti, exploring themes of passion, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a simpler life. Topics include suicide and terminal illness.

W. Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence captivates readers with its vivid prose and compelling protagonist inspired by artist Paul Gauguin. Praised for its exploration of the artist's life and sacrifice, some find the protagonist's extreme behavior alienating. Overall, the novel offers a gripping dive into the complexities of artistic obsession.

Readers who enjoy The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham are typically fans of literary fiction, fascinated by complex characters and moral dilemmas. This novel will appeal to those who appreciated The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and Of Human Bondage by the same author. The exploration of artistic obsession and Bohemian lifestyle is central.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Gritty / Bittersweet / Emotional

- The Moon and Sixpence was inspired by the life of the French artist Paul Gauguin, particularly his time in Tahiti, but Maugham crafted a wholly fictional narrative.
- Published in 1919, The Moon and Sixpence was written while Maugham served as a British intelligence agent during World War I, adding an intriguing backdrop to its creation.
- The novel's title, The Moon and Sixpence, suggests a juxtaposition between the lofty aspirations of individuals (the moon) and the mundane, everyday life (sixpence), a concept Maugham explores through its protagonist.

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