William Somerset Maugham - Liza of Lambeth (Paperback)

"Liza of Lambeth," William Somerset Maugham's literary debut, is a less accomplished and complex novel than later masterpieces such as "The Razor's Edge" and "The Moon and Sixpence." Nevertheless, it is well worth the read. As the title implies, "Liza of Lambeth" chronicles the life of Liza, a young woman who lives in a lower class London neighborhood. Liza struggles as she works in a factory and helps her alcoholic mother. The story is based on Maugham's internship and residence at St. Thomas Hospital where he was required to call on the lower classes in the most dangerous section of town. Despite the rather grim setting, the characters are surprisingly full of life and humor. Liza is a bit of a social butterfly in the neighborhood and is well-liked until she garners the attention of a married man. This connection grows with tragic consequences. William Somerset Maugham had just graduated from medical school when "Liza of Lambeth" was published. The modest success and good reviews of this book him to dedicate his life to a career of letters. What sets "Liza of Lambeth" apart is the vivid picture that Maugham creates of the lower section of the London society. In writing this book, William Somerset Maugham was influenced by "Sister Carrie," "Mean Streets," and other books in the realistic tradition of his day. Written in the Cockney dialect similar to that used by Charles Dickens in "Hard Times," Maugham's classic is well worth reading.