Of Human Bondage

W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, centering on Philip Carey, a sensitive orphan with a clubfoot who yearns for passion and inspiration. As he abandons his studies for artistic ambitions in Europe, Philip grapples with his own mediocrity and a tumultuous love affair with Mildred, a waitress that profoundly alters his life. First published in 1915, this semi-autobiographical novel reflects a blend of Victorian values and early 20th-century irony, emphasizing the significance of both physical and spiritual freedom.