Of Human Bondage by W.S. Maugham

"It is an illusion that youth is happy, an illusion of those who have lost it;" ~ Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham was an English novelist, playwright and short story writer famous for his novel, Of Human Bondage. The book is said to be based on his own life. It was made into a movie and became equally popular at the time starring Leslie Howard (Gone with the Wind fame) and Bette Davis.

The book provokes. As demonstrated in his writings, faithful love has no place. And then again, it can be attributed to the writer's tormented emotional life, from his unhappy childhood and perhaps even unhappier adult existence. Maugham often wrote satire and humour, but he told his stories well that endeared him to his readers.  

Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music by Stephen Fry

Amongst other classical music books I enjoy reading is Stephen Fry's Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music as told to Tim Lihoreau.


Stephen Fry is hilarious. His humour is what I expect him to be, exactly as he is portrayed in the book's cover. That cheeky look! Being a lifelong Mozart admirer, I particularly wanted to know how he approaches, attacks, and perhaps throws dirt at Wolfie. Not that bad! Fry simply provides his readers a light treat through history, a glimpse of the maestros, favourite composers - what was then, what is now, in the lives of these composers, these geniuses of a lifetime. I love the way Mr. Fry treats his subjects, with obvious endearing wit.


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