The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham

The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham is a philosophical and deeply introspective novel that explores the search for meaning in life after the devastation of World War I. The story follows Larry Darrell, a young American who returns from the war disillusioned and uninterested in conventional success. Instead of pursuing a stable career and marriage, Larry sets off on a spiritual journey that takes him across Europe and India in search of enlightenment and inner peace.

Through a cast of well-drawn characters—including Isabel, Larry’s former fiancée who chooses wealth and comfort over uncertainty, and Elliott Templeton, a charming yet superficial socialite—Maugham contrasts different life paths and values. The novel also features the author himself as a character and narrator, offering commentary and insight into the lives of those around Larry.

At its heart, The Razor’s Edge is about the clash between materialism and spiritualism, and the personal cost of choosing one over the other. With elegant prose and timeless themes, it remains a powerful meditation on purpose, identity, and what it means to truly live.