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ratgirlreads's review against another edition
Absolutely excellent.
One cannot ignore that the book is of its time. Maugham takes it as a matter of course that the British are entitled to colonize anywhere regardless of cost to the natives, and that British colonization is better than occupation by any other people. He assumes the superiority of white men (especially white British men) over those of any other color. These views are not surprising, though—it would have been more surprising had he held contrary views. The purpose of the novel is not to glorify these assumed views, either—I think he would have been surprised at the thought that they might need glorification. His novel is instead about the personalities and interplay of the characters he has created.
Lucy is the first strong, independent female character I have come across in a Maugham novel. Mrs. Crowley, too, though disavowing any association with female strength, uses her more stereotypically feminine gifts to be comfortably independent, and is additionally highly amusing. Lucy’s brother and father, despicable rascals, are the foundation of the plot. Dick Lomas is highly entertaining, and intended to serve as a foil to Alec. Alec is the embodiment of the British colonizing spirit, energetic and purposeful where Dick is not, and yet Lomas does not seem entirely at a disadvantage—he is likeable, kindhearted, and a burden on no one. The interplay of all these strong characters makes the story, and each is so varied and well-written that they make the story compelling even to those of us who have moved beyond the idea of the sun never setting on the British empire.
andrealoverke's review against another edition
1.0
I expected more from a book with that kind of title. Lots of talking and no action.
deea_bks's review against another edition
3.0
This book is not brilliant, but it's highly enjoyable! Plus, the dialogues between Julia Crowley and Dick Lomas are really, really lovely!
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