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Life Changing,
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The Painted Veil
by W. Somerset Maugham

Published: 2004-02-10
Paperback : 246 pages
9 members reading this now
27 clubs reading this now
5 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members
Set in England and Hong Kong in the 1920s, The Painted Veil is the story of the beautiful but love-starved Kitty Fane. When her husband discovers her adulterous affair, he forces her to accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic. Stripped of the British society of her youth and the ...
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Introduction

Set in England and Hong Kong in the 1920s, The Painted Veil is the story of the beautiful but love-starved Kitty Fane. When her husband discovers her adulterous affair, he forces her to accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic. Stripped of the British society of her youth and the small but effective society she fought so hard to attain in Hong Kong, she is compelled by her awakening conscience to reassess her life and learn how to love.

The Painted Veil is a beautifully written affirmation of the human capacity to grow, to change, and to forgive.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

1

She gave a startled cry.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

Notwithstanding the darkness of the shuttered room he saw her face on a sudden distraught with terror.

"Some one just tried the door."

"Well, perhaps it was the amah, or one of the boys."

"They never come at this time. They know I always sleep after tiffin."

"Who else could it be?"

"Walter," she whispered, her lips trembling.

She pointed to his shoes. He tried to put them on, but his nervousness, for her alarm was affecting him, made him clumsy, and besides, they were on the tight side. With a faint gasp of impatience she gave him a shoe horn. She slipped into a kimono and in her bare feet went over to her dressing-table. Her hair was shingled and with a comb she had repaired its disorder before he had laced his second shoe. She handed him his coat. ... view entire excerpt...

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Emilia F. (see profile) 05/31/19

 
by Jen M. (see profile) 03/27/19

 
by Elise G. (see profile) 02/26/19

 
  "The Painted Veil"by Kathy L. (see profile) 08/27/14

The book is set in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. The main character, Kitty, has been groomed and pushed all her life by her mother to marry a suitable man. The man she quickly marries ... (read more)

 
  "The Painted Veil"by Charlene M. (see profile) 12/19/13

The Painted Veil follows Kitty's decisions about her life and their consequences. While learning more about what she wants from life, she has to learn how to read the action of others too. ... (read more)

 
  "Creates a stimulating discussion."by Lorraine B. (see profile) 07/05/08

The Painted Veil though perhaps not Maughams best book, gave us as a group one of the best opportunities to have a lively and stimulating discussion. It was interesting too to discuss Shelley and Goldsmith.... (read more)

 
  "the painted veil"by marianne d. (see profile) 10/18/07

Thought is was quite borining in some parts.

 
  "Book Sparks Discussion!"by Cynthia P. (see profile) 10/10/07

The Painted Veil created the most lively discussion our group has ever had. Opinions about the characters varied widely and we talked as much about the author's intent as we did the story.

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