Cakes and Ale

by Somerset Maugham

Overview

Cake and Ale, by W. Somerset Maugham, is a satirical and perceptive novel that explores the nature of literary fame, social hypocrisy, and the complexity of personal relationships. Narrated by the writer William Ashenden, the story revolves around the life of the late novelist Edward Driffield and his first wife, Rosie, whose unconventional behavior and candid vitality defy the expectations of Edward's later, more respectable legacy. As Ashenden reflects on their past, the novel offers a sharp critique of the literary establishment and the ways in which reputation is shaped and manipulated.

First published in 1930, Cake and Ale has been celebrated for its wit, irony, and incisive commentary on the literary world. Maugham blends fiction and autobiographical elements to expose the pretensions of those who seek to sanitize or control an artist's posthumous image. Rosie, in particular, emerges as one of Maugham's most memorable characters — free-spirited, sensual, and unapologetically honest, she challenges societal norms and remains central to the novel's enduring charm.

The novel's lasting relevance lies in its exploration of authenticity versus convention, and its questioning of how art and memory are preserved or distorted. Cake and Ale remains a compelling meditation on truth, artistic legacy, and the unpredictable ways people are remembered.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9786558949879
Publisher:	Lebooks Editora
Publication date:	12/05/2025
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	130
File size:	510 KB

About the Author

W. Somerset Maugham was a British writer and playwright, widely acclaimed for his sharp storytelling, clear prose style, and insightful depictions of human nature. Born in Paris and educated in England, Maugham became one of the most commercially successful writers of his time. His extensive body of work includes novels, short stories, travel books, and plays, many of which examine themes of morality, disillusionment, and the complexities of human relationships.

Maugham's literary breakthrough came with his first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), based on his medical experiences in the slums of London. He gained international fame with Of Human Bondage (1915), a semi-autobiographical novel chronicling the emotional development of Philip Carey, a sensitive and introspective young man grappling with physical disability, love, and purpose. The novel's candid exploration of human vulnerability marked it as a significant work in modern literature.

Maugham's clear, unadorned prose and narrative skill made him one of the most widely read authors of the early 20th century. His works, often set in exotic locales, examined the moral ambiguities of colonialism, the fragility of human relationships, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Though sometimes criticized for lacking experimental flair, Maugham was admired for his craftsmanship and ability to tell compelling stories grounded in observation and realism.

While not always embraced by literary critics of his time, his influence on narrative form and character development is undeniable. Writers such as George Orwell and Ian Fleming acknowledged their debt to Maugham's storytelling techniques. His ability to balance psychological depth with readability allowed his works to endure beyond shifting literary trends.