A Refreshing Surprise: The Unlikely by William Somerset Maugham

summarizeEditor's Summary

I stumbled upon this book by chance, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. The story's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of Italy's bohemian resorts in the 1930s. It's a subtle satire that uncovers the weaknesses and superficiality of the characters, keeping me engaged until the very end. The writing style is engaging, and the plot's full of unexpected twists. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling read. With a softcover edition priced around 250 rubles, it's a great value for money.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

YazarınStili9/10

HikayeKalitesi8/10

KitapSayfaları7/10

Here's the book in a softcover edition with crisp white pages. The price is around 250 rubles for the softcover edition, and there's also a hardcover edition available for 390 rubles.

With ratings of over 4.5 out of 5 on Ozon, Livelib, and Labirint, I was intrigued to give this book a try. I was expecting a light, detective novel with a murder plot, but it turned out to be something entirely different. Why I chose this book:

Of course, the high rating caught my attention. I was expecting a straightforward whodunit, but this book is so much more than that. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of Italy's bohemian resorts in the 1930s.

The book is a subtle satire that uncovers the weaknesses and superficiality of the characters' outer glamour. It's a clever and engaging read that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

A few words about the author and his work, which helped me understand the book better:

William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a renowned English writer and playwright, and one of the most successful writers of the 20th century. His work is characterized by realism with elements of modernism, exploring psychology, art, and human passions. Style and themes: Maugham is a master of ironic storytelling. His characters often face a choice between duty, love, and art. The author believed that 'only love and art justify the meaninglessness of human existence'.

What to expect from this book:

This book is a quick and easy read, perfect for a busy day or a weekend getaway. With only 158 pages, it's a compact and engaging story that will leave you feeling satisfied but not overwhelmed.

The language is straightforward and lacks sophistication, but the writing is lively and engaging, making it a pleasure to read. You won't find any complex wordplay or a rich vocabulary, but the author's use of language is clever and effective.I was expecting a light and forgettable read, but this book left a lasting impression on me. The plot is completely unexpected and quite unpredictable, and the characters are gradually revealed throughout the story.

There are many dialogues, and the author's use of quotes is memorable and thought-provoking. Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:

'I have no right, nor intention, to blame others for what they do. My motto is to live and let live.'

'- Darling, life is meant to be risked.'

I'm a bit sad that the book ends too quickly, but without a doubt, I highly recommend it and agree with the high rating. The book's brevity actually adds to its charm, making it a great choice for a busy day or a weekend getaway. I appreciated the author's ability to pack a punch in such a short amount of space. The characters and their stories will linger with you long after you finish reading, and I'm still thinking about this book weeks after finishing it.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the book about?

The book's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of Italy's bohemian resorts in the 1930s. It's a subtle satire that uncovers the weaknesses and superficiality of the characters.

Is the book a good value for money?

Yes, the softcover edition is a great option, priced around 250 rubles. The story's engaging, and the plot's full of unexpected twists.

Is the book suitable for readers who enjoy satire and social commentary?

Yes, the book's a great choice for anyone interested in satire and social commentary. The author's use of language is clever and effective, making the story feel authentic.

Is the book suitable for readers who prefer a fast-paced plot?

The plot's a bit slow to start, but it picks up pace quickly. If you're looking for a fast-paced plot, you might want to look elsewhere.

Is the book suitable for readers who prefer complex characters?

The characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, but they still felt relatable. If you're looking for complex characters, you might want to look elsewhere.

Is the book suitable for readers who prefer a light, easy read?

The book's a great choice for anyone looking for a compelling read. The writing style is engaging, and the plot's full of unexpected twists.

Is the book suitable for readers who enjoy literary fiction?

Yes, the book's a great choice for anyone interested in literary fiction. The author's use of language is clever and effective, making the story feel authentic.

Is the book suitable for readers who prefer a book with a strong moral message?

The book doesn't have any major surprises, but it's still a compelling read. The themes are well-executed, but they might be a bit too heavy-handed for some readers.

check_circlePros

•The story's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, making it a great value for money.
•The softcover edition is a great option, priced around 250 rubles.
•The plot's full of unexpected twists, keeping me engaged until the very end.
•The writing style is engaging and easy to follow.
•The book's a great choice for anyone interested in satire and social commentary.
•The author's use of language is clever and effective, making the story feel authentic.
•The characters are relatable, despite being a bit one-dimensional.
•The book's a great choice for readers who enjoy literary fiction.

cancelCons

•Some readers might find the writing style a bit too simplistic.
•The characters could have been fleshed out a bit more.
•The plot's a bit slow to start, but it picks up pace quickly.
•The book doesn't have any major surprises, but it's still a compelling read.
•Some readers might find the themes a bit too heavy-handed.
•The book's not perfect, but it's a great choice for readers who enjoy satire and social commentary.