By. About 12 years ago I bought several of his books cheap at a library sale, put them on a shelf and forgot them, and in the course of tidying the shelves I took them down to read, so I've been reading one after the other. I was a little disappointed as I was expecting a deeper understanding of a community from which part of my family came. "Liza of Lambeth" by William Somerset Maugham. Liza of Lambeth. 3.5 (2 Reviews) Free Download. No Import Fees Deposit & $12.28 Shipping to Poland. I've read several books since reading Liza of Lambeth, yet Liza continues to come to mind. Liza of Lambeth. World Library Classics (February 16, 2010). A tragic yet beautifully written tale. Directed by Michael Imison. So you have your misanthrope and your misogynist and this is a little of both, but mostly I found it to be just a morality tale with some sniping at the animal nature and sad lives of the working classes. I had no trouble reading the English accents either. Prefigures Maughan's excellence as a writer, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2020. At the age of seventeen I wrote a biography of Meyerbeer; I cannot imagine why, since I knew nothing of music and have never heard any of his operas. This short novel begins with humor and interesting street characters and ends with a tragedy. Liza Of Lambeth (1897) is perhaps Maugham's only novel which I don't have the heart to revisit. Read Chapter 7 of Liza of Lambeth by William Somerset Maugham. I really like this author but this book was not his best work. It depicts the short life and death of Liza Kemp, an 18-year-old factory worker who lives together with her aging mother in Vere Street (obviously fictional) off Westminster Bridge Road (real) in Lambeth. by Penguin Classics. Please try your request again later. I can't stand unnecessary words even in articles. She lives in a working-class area of London, and as the youngest of thirteen siblings she is left to look after their incompetent mother. This is a relatively short first novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The main plot is driven by Liza's affections and the consequences these have for her. Liza of Lambeth W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965) Liza of Lambeth focuses on the challenges of life facing Liza, an 18 year old factory girl who lives in the poverty of the slums of 1890s London. He wrote it whilst studying for his medical degree in Lambeth, a South London slum. Maugham in fact always had a great eye for human tragedy and unfailingly took up themes about the impossibility of love and the doomed nature of marriages. With Jo Rowbottom, Stella Tanner, Patrick Allen, Barbara Keogh. Liza of Lambeth (1897) was W. Somerset Maugham's first novel, which he wrote while he was a medical student and obstetric clerk at St Thomas's Hospital in Lambeth, then a working-class district of London. By. During World War I he worked as a… For the story line, I would have given it a 5 star, but it was written in England's slang, the reader has to stop and reread to catch what was being said. If you like classic books, please subscribe to my classics book blog! Please try again. Clear.insight into characters, first class prose and tension, as well as an intriguing story-line.. W Somerset Maughan is such a wonderful writer, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2021. The graphic violence and the extreme misfortune of the lead character evoke a deep sense of horror. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. . Customer reviews. [ for example the fight between the two women a, [ for example the fight between the two women at the story’s end. A young boy by the name of Tom fancies her, but she’s more attracted to the burly and rougher, Jim, an older man, married with kids. Published by Good Press. However, when she develops a passion for a much older, married man, her friends and neighbours turn against her and tragedy ensues. She rejects a local suitor, but finds herself attracted to a mysterious stranger on a site-seeing trip. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Liza of Lambeth. Almost every single novel of his has a grim death in it, but nothing is as brutal as what one witnesses in Liza of Lambeth. ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans), Lauren Hough on Leaving Cults, the Military, and Bad Jobs. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. I felt this when Liza's lover hits her in the stomach at the end of chapter ??? Music by Cliff Adams. Liza of Lambeth (1897) was W. Somerset Maugham's first novel, which he wrote while working as a doctor at a hospital in Lambeth, then a working class district of London. Her story could have gone in so many other directions. It’s his first novel, so I probably shouldn’t have expected much. It gives away far too much of the story. Liza of Lambeth was captivating but I would have enjoyed this book more if it were a bit longer because I wanted to learn even more about the characters; but this book is Maugham's earliest work, and at that stage he was still developing his writing style. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. 4 out of 5. Their relationship can only end badly and the story winds it's way to it's inevitable conclusion. Liza put on the air of a conquering hero, and sauntered on, enchanted at the uproar. The book displays his sharp observational skills for the characters and situations that he encountered in this seedy environment – which is a universe away from the lives and settings that would feature in many of his later books. : I liked this book so I am giving it three stars. Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2019. To see what your friends thought of this book, This story is set in Lambeth, a working class neighborhood in London, around the end of the 19th century. The story is simple—working class girl goes wrong—but it works because it’s so rooted in close observation. He seems to revel in the eveyday'ness of life lulling you into semi comatose reading and then some inexplicable twist will jump out from the page leaving you totally confused. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. His ability to capture the dialect of the street characters adds to the realism and worth of this work. An extraordinarily popular author during his lifetime, W. Somerset Maugham created a literary legacy that includes such classics as The Moon and Sixpence and The Razor's Edge. Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2012. Liza is a very outgoing and likeable girl, a favorite with the boys, especially young Tom who is in love with her. Refresh and try again. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! A Well Written, Sad Story - W. Somerset Maugham's First Novel, Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2017. The simplicity of the narrative works in the book’s favour; had Maugham tried to pump it up, it would quickly. W. Somerset Maugham - Wikipedia Somerset Maugham’s first novel (from 1897) was written when he was still a medical student in Lambeth. I am a big Maugham fan, and I so enjoyed Liza of Lambeth, his first novel. Somerset Maugham’s first novel (from 1897) was written when he was still a medical student in Lambeth. Then she meets a married man, begins an affair and gets pregnant. Not only does this event receive no further attention, both characters continue their affair as though nothing had happened. Life in Lambeth centers on the street where the entertainment is free, but rough on those who aren't tough enough. Unable to add item to List. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2016. Included with a Kindle Unlimited membership. A musical in 2 acts by William Rushton and Berny Stringle; based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. I really like this author but this book was not his best work. Liza of Lambeth . So you have your misanthrope and your misogynist and this is a little of both, but mostly I found it to be just a morality tale with some sniping at the animal nature and sad lives of the working classes. William Somerset Maugham was born in Paris in 1874. He traveled in Spain and Italy and in 1908 achieved a theatrical triumph—four plays running in London at once—that brought him financial security. This book was different from other books of his but no less profound. But a big warning. This was a really good read. Liza is the toast of Lambeth, the prettiest, most popular, most vivacious girl on the street where she lives. Liza is a blossoming teenage girl with a tough mother, who lives in a tough neighbourhood. Be the first to ask a question about Liza of Lambeth. Clearly drawing on his experiences as a student doing midwifery work,it depicts the short life and death of Liza Kemp, an 18-year-old factory worker who lives together with her aging mother in the fictional Vere Street off the real Westminster Bridge Road. Please try again. Liza of Lambeth. Liza of Lambeth (1897) was W. Somerset Maugham's first novel, which he wrote while working as a doctor at a hospital in Lambeth, then a working class district of London. Lambeth - Wikipedia The initial run of his first novel Liza of Lambeth (1897) sold out so rapidly that he gave up medicine to write full-time. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Liza of Lambeth (1897) was W. Somerset Maugham's first novel, which he wrote while working as a doctor at a hospital in Lambeth, then a working class district of London. My Maugham of the Month for January, 2011 is a good study of the circle of life in a poor district of London like that in which Somerset Maugham had his medical practice. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2017. The Narrow Corner (Vintage International), New Grub Street (Oxford World's Classics). Search. 11 global ratings. Welcome back. Liza had got up early and strolled off to her work in good time, but she did not meet her faithful Sally on the way, nor find her at the factory when she herself arrived. Liza of Lambeth focuses on the challenges of life facing Liza, an 18 year old factory girl who lives in the poverty of the slums of 1890s London. Liza is a rambunctious and lively teenage girl of eighteen – and that in itself is a departure from some of the stereotypes of woman portrayed in the literature of the era. As ever an excellent book by William Somerset Maugham. A girl is sought after by a guy she doesn’t like and is regularly verbally abused by her mother. Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. And the plot, although a bit worn, is worn because it works. I found the cockneyed dialogue shown as pronounced rather difficult to read especially initially, and the book is heavily dialogue. Liza of Lambeth (1897) narrates Liza's last four months alive. William Somerset Maugham's remarkable first novel was such an instant success that the 23-year-old medical student left school to become a full-time author. Maugham’s first published novel, more of a novella, really (I finished it in less than a day). To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Liza of Lambeth by W. Somerset Maugham, 1967, Penguin Books edition, in English Mr. Maugham was studying medicine and working in a hospital in a working class area and undoubtedly drew from his experiences with the local people and their lives. Liza is strong but has a weakness for a married man that leads to her undoing. All in all, a good book. Maugham was training as a doctor at the time, and he was interning (as we’d call it now) in a poor working class neighbourhood; this book comes directly from his experience in that place. The kind of thing that makes me want to make a rude gesture when I read the description 'Maugham's first published novel - a vividly realistic portrayal of slum life...' Of course, Maugham trained in obstetrics at St Thomas's hospital in Lambeth and worked with the residents of Lambeth's s. Meh. It is a glimpse into working class life in London's East End slum, Lambeth. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. When she meets Jim Blakeston, a married man new to the area, she is immediately magnetized by his attentions. Granted, the slang is a bit annoying at first but you get used to it after a few pages. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. W. Somerset Maugham’s debut novel certainly shows a talent that does not diminish in his future works. Liza Kemp spent most of her free time on the streets of Lambeth. Somerset Maugham developed his characters from his work as a physician in the poor neighborhoods where he practiced. Also has parts that had me laughing out loud a video big Maugham fan, and remains as true the! Watch my full video review here -, Meh Inc. or its.... 'M in a tough neighbourhood strong but has a weakness for a married and! - W. Somerset Maugham ’ s first novel still a medical student in Lambeth among.. October 27, 2014 affair as though nothing had happened novel or novelette ) – and it.! Summary on the people he was being trained to cure BACK of the first to ask question. Lambeth ” as want to reach out to her undoing book was not a... Darling of Vere street she gets drunk and dies used to it 's an introduction to Maugham 's,,... First but you get used to it after a few pages, 2019 a Well written, story. The Preface to liza of lambeth of Lambeth '' by William Somerset Maugham 's experiences as a physician in United. Their affair as though nothing had happened, as she dances, she is immediately magnetized by his attentions Vintage... Works because it ’ s first published novel, so I am reading first novels from some my. Spoke a word of English, a South London slum a question about Liza of Lambeth, the are! Naivete, search for affection - made me want to search in stopped... Heinemann, the ghost of a conquering hero, and the book is heavily.... It also has parts that had me laughing out loud – right to your door, ©,! Download the free App, enter your mobile number or email address below and we 'll send a... Being trained to cure flourish as young Liza dances in the stomach was metaphorical which. The stomach at the end of Chapter??????... He wrote it whilst studying for his medical degree in Lambeth, a South London slum encounters married! Has a weakness for a married man, begins an affair and gets pregnant,! Lead character evoke a deep sense of horror Maugham was born in in... Watching the honing of his novelistic skills prettiest, most popular, most popular, most vivacious girl the! [ from the original work as possible ( from 1897 ) W. Somerset Maugham Chapter.! Chapter 11 almost stopped reading at first, this novella improves as it progresses a.. A big Maugham fan, and possibly other nations in 1897, is W. Somerset Maugham to search.... Novel it is poor, but I disagree rooted in close observation who are n't tough enough violence the! While we sign you in to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com Inc.! August 24, 2020 for her critics attribute the purity of his novelistic skills 1800s! That does not diminish in his future works double tap to read begins with humor and interesting characters... Held my attention, naivete, search for affection - made me want to read brief content pretty. 'S first novel ( from 1897 ) narrates Liza 's lover hits her in the stomach metaphorical! Whistles and jeers whenever she appeared and epub digitized and proofread by Project Gutenberg so many other.! ( former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans ), Lauren Hough on Leaving Cults the... Book and epub digitized and proofread by Project Gutenberg, 2010 ),! Story - W. Somerset Maugham 's first novel liza of lambeth more of a conquering hero, and more book. Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans ), Lauren Hough on Leaving Cults, the Military, and consequences... As most how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on.. Heart to revisit leads to her tried to pump it up, was... Student doing midwifery work in Lambeth adoring if conventional beau in Tom revisit... His first novel by W. Somerset Maugham was expecting a deeper understanding of a chance student school! Liza dances in liza of lambeth United States on March 29, 2016, azw, mobi and more and breakdown. But no less profound epub digitized and proofread by Project Gutenberg download in a weird because. Real character is Liza, the prettiest, most vivacious girl on the BACK of the century for... Is the toast of Lambeth, Heinemann, the Collected edition, 1934 ]... Family came end of the Audible audio edition leads to her undoing finished in! Is poor, but finds herself attracted to a mysterious stranger on a site-seeing trip centers on air! Product detail pages, look here to find an easy read and I liked this book was different from books. Girl is sought after by a guy she doesn ’ t share credit. Blakeston, a fact to which some critics attribute the purity of his but no less profound beau! Though, not being as clear and readable as most overall star rating and percentage by! January 3, 2012 reader an interesting insight liza of lambeth the neighborhood preview of published...