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emicree's review against another edition
3.0
I imagine I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it before watching the movie. The movie followed the book very well and added a bit more depth to the main characters, so it felt like something was missing. I still enjoyed the book.
a_chickletz's review
4.0
This is one of those cases where I saw the movie before reading the book. If it wasn't for the movie, this book would have never made my reading list. (I'm not certain that's true, I think I'd find it... eventually. Just not as fast if it wasn't for the film.) And I feel as if I'm betraying the literary world if I said I loved the movie more than the book.
HOWEVER, I am able separate the two. And so, the book: I loved it, I devoured it! Kitty's growth through the book was something of a test - reading-wise and story-wise. At times I wanted to shake her due to the treatment she was giving Walter.
I thought the dialogue was sharp, witty, and perfect. I liked the addition of the 'poem' in the case of Walter and his 'feelings for Kitty'. You'd have to read the book to understand what I mean.
Overall: The Painted Veil is a treasure and an easy read. Pick it up, even if you're a fan of the film.
HOWEVER, I am able separate the two. And so, the book: I loved it, I devoured it! Kitty's growth through the book was something of a test - reading-wise and story-wise. At times I wanted to shake her due to the treatment she was giving Walter.
I thought the dialogue was sharp, witty, and perfect. I liked the addition of the 'poem' in the case of Walter and his 'feelings for Kitty'. You'd have to read the book to understand what I mean.
Spoiler
HOWEVER. I was upset when I read about her giving into Charlie when she returned from Hong Kong... but I guess the burn she gave him afterwords was pretty awesome. Guess you can only hope that the child is Walter's.Overall: The Painted Veil is a treasure and an easy read. Pick it up, even if you're a fan of the film.
zuly's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rajs's review
3.0
I did not enjoy this as much as Razor's Edge, possibly because I dislike the main character so much. I'm also not sure what the point of the story is. Young people are stupid?
sanlex's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bohoautumn's review
4.0
One of the few books I've read after seeing the film. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I couldn't really remove the film characters from my mind's eye. But after reading this novel I do feel that the adaptation was superbly cast.
The film is the Hollywood romantic version. The novel is more tragic - less emotionally satisfying, more human. I have to admit to liking both.
Maugham is my new author lover.
The film is the Hollywood romantic version. The novel is more tragic - less emotionally satisfying, more human. I have to admit to liking both.
Maugham is my new author lover.
ingeborgkorme's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
allison_reader's review
3.0
Pretty good - although not romantic like the film. Kitty's a heart-less self-centered yatch until the end and Walter dies and you just don't really care b/c he's not at all likeable. I'll take Ed Norton and Naomi Watts over these two any day.