👶👶👶 The Painted Veil, by W. Somerset Maugham

I found this period piece from 1925 to be well-written and thought-provoking, with a stunning setting. Of course, its value comes from the author’s ability to evoke the feeling in and around the time of the cholera epidemic. However, due to the inability for me to relate to the protagonist, it led to frustration throughout the novel. I had to continually remind myself that it was set during a time when upper-class women married mostly for status (or in Kitty’s case, desperation), not love. Kitty was just so irritatingly selfish, irrational, and frivolous, that it was an arduous read at times.

The ending seemed rushed, leaving many unanswered questions. What began as a novel where the author’s painstaking effort was evident, ended in a hurriedness that left the reader disconcerted. After finishing the novel, I decided to watch the 2006 movie, which was, in my opinion, what most readers hoped would happen to Kitty in the novel. The plot was much better developed and showed her growth and humanity, instead of portraying a hopelessly wanton woman, easily swayed by her whims. In the novel, she learned very little, if anything, from her harrowing experience; whereas the movie showed a more redeeming character. Perhaps of little consequence to the novel - but a scene that left me bewildered nonetheless - was the description of the kiss between her and her father toward the end; the adjectives used were distasteful, and unnecessary. Another issue I had with the novel was the nonstop repetition of Kitty’s lack of love for Walter; we get it already!

In summary, I was impressed that this dated novel could evoke such feeling. However, it lacked the punch necessary to categorize it as a true classic.

Read 3/10/15