The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over;
Thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.
--Katha-Upanishad
This novel is by far, one of the best I have read. It is truly a wonderful novel.
The plot revolves around, Larry Darrell, a young American in a spiritual search of God and the absolute. The progress of his search for wisdom regarding the fundamental philosophical questions of life involves him with two other characters – his childhood sweetheart Isabel, whose consideration between social status and love have far reaching repercussions, and Elliot, her uncle who symbolizes the materialism of older generation.
Larry, a pilot in the First World War is very reticent about his wartime experiences. His most shattering wartime experience is the loss of his close friend, partly because this friend comes to Larry’s rescue in the war combat. The death of his friend is a shaking event that prompts Larry to embark on a single-minded search for answers. Larry travels from America to Europe, China, Burma and India , and meets different kinds of people , studies different religious traditions under different spiritual leaders. Larry’s spiritual journey becomes the primary narrative flow of the novel.
Larry at last has a mystical experience when he comes to India and spends two years with a holy man known for his saintliness, Maugham calls this saint Shri Ganesha. Larry studies and meditates with him. During the course of one of mountain retreats, Larry watches the sunrise and experiences enlightenment.
He says
“How grand the sight was that was displayed before me as the day broke in its splendor ….. I’d never known such exaltation and such a transcendent joy. How can I tell you what I felt? No words can tell the ecstasy of my bliss”.
After his mystical experience, Larry decides to go back to America and live his life according to the ideals of compassion and continence.
In strong contrast to Larry, the other two characters Isabel and Elliot provide the major foils for Larry and they consider the spiritual quest like Larry’s are odd and a waste of time.
Isabel, though she loves Larry, does not understand Larry’s desire for austerity, she considers social position and money to be more important than desire for knowledge. She eventually breaks off her engagement to Larry. When Larry decides to marry their common childhood friend, Isabel is jealous and secretly sabotages their engagement.
For Elliot, European aristocrat society is his one point mission. The author highlights Elliot’s superficial ambitions. He has nothing to sustain in end when his social popularity declines.
This novel is not just about spiritual odyssey, it encompasses the passion , peril, pinch , pleasure, philosophy and poignancy of life itself.
For those of you who have read this novel, or remotely know about this novel, one question that comes up quite often is “who was the person in real life”, Somerset Maugham used as a role model for his character Larry Darrel in this novel?
Was it Sri Ramana Maharshi? ? Well.
Just read the novel and find out !!!
This novel has inspired me to take up the challenges to achieve , without fear , greatness at a individual level.
It is inspiring and a good read for anyone.