A witty novel about literary reputation. The narrator, Willie Ashenden, is asked by a famous novelist to help with a biography of a recently dead author, Edward Driffield, and recalls the man and his first wife, Rosie, whom he knew in youth. Moving between a Kentish village and literary London, the book gently mocks snobbery, fashion and pious biography, while giving a warm portrait of a free-spirited woman. Maugham thought it his favourite among his novels.
Quotes
It's no good trying to keep up old friendships. It's painful for both sides. The fact is, one grows out of people, and the only thing is to face it.
Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practised at spare moments; it is a whole-time job.
Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all.
...you know what the critics are. If you tell the truth they only say you're cynical and it does an author no good to get a reputation for cynicism.