91 pages • 3 hours read
The Painted Veil
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Book Brief
246
Novel • Fiction
China • 1920s
1925
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham follows Kitty Fane, who discovers her husband, Walter, knows about her affair with Charles Townsend. Walter gives her an ultimatum: convince Townsend to marry her or accompany him to a cholera-infested region. Kitty's journey leads to personal growth and a transformed outlook on life as she grapples with her past choices. Themes include infidelity, colonialism, and self-discovery.
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
51,502 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham artfully blends romance and existential exploration. Readers praise its rich characterization and evocative setting, though some find the pacing slow and certain plot elements dated. Overall, it's regarded as a poignant study of personal redemption and complex human emotions.
Who Should Read The Painted Veil?
A reader who enjoys The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham would likely appreciate nuanced character studies, themes of redemption, and the moral complexities of human relationships. This reader might also enjoy Anna Karenina by Tolstoy or The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, as both explore similar themes of personal growth and societal pressures.
51,502 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
246
Novel • Fiction
China • 1920s
1925
Adult
18+ years
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