'The Summing Up' by W. Somerset Maugham

Brief discussion of William Somerset Maugham's book, The Summing Up, originally published in 1938. The book is a collection of essays, including reflections on writing, the arts, psychology, and culture, centered around Maugham's own life. He claims, at the start, that the book isn't an autobiography, but there are certainly autobiographical components in the book.
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[@O.G.Rose.Michelle.and.Daniel]

This was both a wonderful way to learn more about W. Somerset Maugham and your recent readings (which sound magnificent), and how interesting to think that he felt he used up all the interesting parts of his life in his novels, thus leaving little for an autobiography. I also liked the idea of thinking of the audience as a character, and I was very much intrigued by the idea that it was a good thing to create a stark divide between the audience and the play via verse, for that helped the audience enter into the play. What a fascinating thought...

[@DavoodGozli]

I find Maugham's writing very soothing. He is well-mannered and well-tempered with his words and thoughts. It is almost surprising, at first, to see someone having written anything at all with that level of psychic calm. Of course, there is a lot going on beneath the calm surface.

[@lucindawilson5510]

thank you so much .Never heard of this book.Read most of his books.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Davood, I really enjoyed this video! Somerset Maugham is one of my favourite authors. It was really nice to hear a review of this book that I haven't read. I really enjoyed your thoughts in this video.

[@DavoodGozli]

Thank you very much, Grant! I also love Maugham, particularly 'Of Human Bondage.' Once I complete this on-going series of interviews, I think I'll return to the good, old-fashioned monologues based on books.

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@DavoodGozli I was very happy to re-read 'Of Human Bondage' this year, it was even better than I remembered. I'll be looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@spikedaniels1528]

Thanks!

[@Edo9River]

Humor reflection is nice

[@MrRatherino]

there's always time for Somerset

[@DavoodGozli]

That is a fact!

[@amelmahmoud8221]

VERY INTERESTING AND THOROUGH,THANK YOU

[@DavoodGozli]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@Edo9River]

Soothing if you don’t read too much

[@sockmonkey22]

I’m drawn to Maugham’s “O’Henry-like” twists. The hero/protagonist I’m rooting for falters- A cheater, manipulator, racist, etc., and Maugham forces me to flip my allegiance to the drunk, greedy boss, disheartened wife, who show good character in the end in surprising ways. Maybe he himself trusted the wrong traveler, relative, politician who then did him a good turn and he wants the reader to share his surprise. Also interesting, his portrayal of British statesmen, ministers, those with stature, titles, as racists who believe Asians are untrustworthy and not quite human, as his pompous characters are condescending to “half-breeds”, “Chi**s” (Chinese)and other Asian locals as described by these arrogant characters. It’s cringeworthy and sad. Maugham sounds quite righteous for his day to put such themes out there.

[@DavoodGozli]

That was a great description of what Maugham does. I think a twist is in essence is a demonstration that "There is more! You got the story and the characters... But there is more!" And the "more" isn't simply further detail added on the existing structure, but further structure (twists & turns) in the story and the character. It's a strange and very human exercise in storytelling. Thank you, Steve!

[@Edo9River]

Class culture too. Maugham repeatedly pumps from the rich, old and generational aristocracy

[@Edo9River]

Maugham has a comparatively small acceptance 😢

[@Edo9River]

A shallow intimacy compared to Dostoevsky.

[@petemc5070]

Maugham is more intimate and bleak, perhaps to the point of being gruelling in his core outlook. In contrast I found 'Crime and Punishment' little more than propaganda for the Czarist justice & penal system buttered up with a dollop of faith in religious redemption.

[@IAmWilltoo]

Would it be rad to let your subscribers choose a book for you to read??? 😮😅

[@DavoodGozli]

That does happen, but more often with suggestions from my Patreon supporters. Sometimes we end up reading and discussing the suggested books together.

[@IAmWilltoo]

@@DavoodGozli there’s a booktuber whom now randomizes their choice of books they read which is awesome!

[@petemc5070]

Took me a while to figure out the name of the Iranian writer you praised - and think it's en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezzat_Goushegir

[@DavoodGozli]

Yes, that’s her.