Set in the 1920's, the story details the affair between Kitty and Charlie Townsend and what happens when her husband, Walter finds out about the adultery. It's so interesting to read about the morals and thoughts of a time period not so far back in history, and to realize how much things have changed in such a short time. I enjoyed Kitty's story and her transformation from her selfish, spoiled self into a self-aware individual.
It was somewhat horrifying to me, though, the descriptions and treatment of other races and especially of the orphan referred to as "it". I guess just another way that things have changed so much. It also struck me that not that long ago everyone still had servants and people to do everything for them.
All in all, it was enjoyable read for me. ( )

Kitty, a hot but aging English spinster, marries in haste and comes to regret it as her medical scientist husband ships her out to Hong Kong, where she, ah, gets involved in colonial society, only to be shanghaied by hubby once more, this time on a mission of mercy to a cholera-stricken city deep in the mainland.

In spite of Maugham's occasionally clumsy prose, this is a book worth reading. It's typical of a Maugham novel in that its central character's spiritual quest provides its depth and driving energy. Although there are long sequences here comprising nothing but internal monologue, they're rarely boring or trite, and they sometimes rise to the level of real insight. Maugham infuses his characters' decisions, and the often-sordid messes they get themselves into, with emotional, psychological and spiritual significance. There's also some good historical and cultural texture here. Finally, The Painted Veil serves as a good introduction to Maugham's work in that you get a representative taste of his style and approach, but it's not too long (under 250 pages), unlike his massive signature works. ( )

Set in England and Hong-Kong,the book revolves around three main characters : Walter Fane,Kitty and Charlie.Kitty being unhappy about her marriage with Walter,gets involved romantically with Charlie.When Walter finds about the crime his wife has committed,Kitty is forced to move to the cholera-stricken Hong-Kong with him.This is where the an unique story of forgiveness,humanity and compassion evolves in the setback of a deadly and ruthless epidemic consumed city.The book is more of a journey that Kitty goes through losing and then finding herself as times keep changing for the worse.[a:W. Somerset Maugham|6794|W. Somerset Maugham|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1212194645p2/6794.jpg] successfully manages to touch the reader's heart with this splendid epic of love,loss and forgiveness. ( )

Wow. Started out not liking the book too much, because I couldn't like any of the characters. And then we get to Mei Tan Fu, and wham--I, like Kitty, changed. I have grown while getting to share Kitty's growth. It is a wonderful story of learning to love yourself before others can love you. Really lovely. Really really lovely.

And in my heart, Kitty is having Walter's baby. So there. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A real page turner. Kitty is spoiled and immature and, due to an affair, has to grow up fast. I felt for her husband, Walter's, anguish, though he wasn't a completely likeable man. The locations, set in the Far East, are wonderfully exotic but the book is much, much more than this. ( )