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The Moon and Sixpence

The Moon and Sixpence

Author(s): William Somerset Maugham

Location(s): Paris, Tahiti

Genre(s): Fiction, Historical

Era(s): Late 19th Century

Location

Content

Charles Strickland, a conventional stockbroker, abandons his wife and children for Paris and Tahiti, to live his life as a painter. Whilst his betrayal of family, duty and honour gives him the freedom to achieve greatness, his decision leads to an obsession which carries severe implications. Inspired by the life of Paul Gauguin, The Moon and Sixpence is at once a satiric caricature of Edwardian conventions and a vivid portrayal of the mentality of a genius.

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Book Reviews

Lead Review

Loosely based on the life of Paul Gauguin, this is a tremendous novel that still has pertinence today. Strickland ups and leaves his first family in London and explores his creative urges… -Tina Hempell...

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