The Moon and SixpenceBased on the life of Paul Gauguin, this “witty, compelling” novel (The Boston Globe) by the internationally acclaimed author of The Razor’s Edge is a dazzling ode to the powerful forces behind creative genius. Charles Strickland is a staid banker, a man of wealth and privilege. He is also a man possessed of an unquenchable desire to create art. As Strickland pursues his artistic vision, he leaves London for Paris and Tahiti, and in his quest makes sacrifices that leave the lives of those closest to him in tatters. Through Maugham's sympathetic eye Strickland's tortured and cruel soul becomes a symbol of the blessing and the curse of transcendent artistic genius, and the cost in human lives it sometimes demands. |
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Common terms and phrases
absinthe absurd answered artist asked Avenue de Clichy beauty Blanche Stroeve can’t Captain Nichols Chapter Charles Strickland cocoa-nut Colonel MacAndrew colour comfort concierge Coutras cried damned didn’t dinner Dirk Stroeve doesn’t door El Greco emotion excited eyes face fancy feel fellow felt fool francs friends gave girl give hands he’ll he’s heard heart husband I’ve imagine impression indifferent island knew laugh looked married mind natives never night painter painting Papeete pareo Paris passion Paumotus perhaps played poor remembered Richard Twining round seemed seen seized She’s shoulders shrugged silent sitting smile sometimes soul speak strange streets Strickland lived Stroeve’s studio suddenly suppose sympathy Tahiti talk tell there’s They’re thing thought Tiaré told took Tough Bill turned walked wife woman women wondered word wouldn’t you’re