The Trembling of a Leaf

By W. Somerset Maugham and A Elley Finch

Book Overview

"The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands" by William Somerset Maugham transports readers to the captivating and complex world of Oceania. This collection of short stories explores the lives of expatriates and the cultural conflicts inherent in the age of colonialism. Maugham, a master storyteller, delves into the human condition against the backdrop of the South Sea Islands, weaving tales of individuals grappling with love, loss, and the clash of civilizations. Through evocative prose and keen observation, he captures the delicate balance and underlying tensions that define this unique environment. These stories, imbued with a timeless quality, offer a glimpse into a bygone era while resonating with enduring themes of human experience. Experience the allure and the unease of paradise in these meticulously republished stories from a literary master.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102315692X
• ISBN13: 9781023156929
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Somber, short pieces that are wonderfully morose & beautiful

Worth buying, Asia is still much like this under the glitz and glamour. The essence is captured!

Beautifully written

The story Rain is extraordinarily memorable. I recommend this book, though it's definitely not upbeat!

By a veteran of British intelligence during World War I

Somerset Maugham was a veteran of British intelligence during World War I, an experience that was to influence his views of the world in subsequent years as well as his writing. The Trembling of a Leaf is a compilation of six short stories and two sketches by Maugham, including his famous story "Rain," an ironic look at the dark consequences and of being too fixated on the object of your affections, -- which is perhaps better known by its film and theater adaptation as "Sadie Thompson." Romance, the cruel forces of reality, and a keen attention to the unforeseen color this classic anthology showcasing Somerset Maugham's literary genius.

timeless and beautifully rendered

It's great news that they'll soon be issuing a new edition of this collection. The stories are timeless and beautifully rendered. Maugham explores everything from the evils of colonialism to the rigid social expectations of turn of the century Chicago aristocrats -- and in each case he transports us to the South Pacific. He's one of the great practitioners of the short story and this collection provides us with a concise glimpse at his handiwork.

Great short stories for Somerset Maugham lovers!

This book consists of 8 short stories, many of them playing in the South Sea Islands. After reading this book you will want to go there and enjoy the beauty of life. Beautifully written, a pure pleasure to read!