The Razor’s Edge, written by W. Somerset Maugham in 1944, is a timeless novel addressing the big questions of life and one’s search for meaning and fulfillment. The story follows the lives of several characters, each pursuing a different path in order to achieve a sense of contentment and spiritual fulfillment. At the center of the story is Larry Darrell, an American who, after surviving WWI and witnessing the horrors of death, rejects materialism and embarks on a quest to uncover what he believes is a higher truth.
The novel opens eight years after Larry’s decision to leave his normal life and venture in search of what he believes to be the path to enlightenment. Having gone to searching for enlightenment in the East, Larry takes up residence in the home of his friend Elliot in France. Larry quickly develops close relationships with those around him, especially with Sophie, the daughter of his hosts. Larry’s story is narrated by the author, who glimpses Larry’s fascinating search for meaning through conversations with the people closest to him and their shared experiences.
Larry’s quest for higher truths leads him to India and study under Maharshi an enlightened guru, who teaches Larry to disentangle himself from the materialistic life he used to follow. Larry is diligent and determined, benefiting from the wisdom of Maharshi, and eventually realizing his potential as an ordinary person with an extraordinary inner strength. Larry’s journey is admirable and inspiring; and with the wisdom he attained from the East, Larry eventually returns to the West with newfound knowledge and meaning.
The story of Larry is weaved into the stories of other characters in the novel. We learn about Izzy, one of Larry’s closest friends, and his desire for material success. We later meet Isabel, a socialite searching for spiritual fulfillment in the midst of vanity and luxury. As the novel progresses, we find out how each of these characters strive for a sense of selfhood and purpose, and how their paths of various lengths towards finding meaning all lead towards the same end result—self-discovery.
The story of The Razor’s Edge is symbolic and profound. It encompasses themes such as suffering and war, the meaning of materialism, spirituality, and the power of enlightenment. By weaving multiple destinies together that are seemingly disparate, Maugham cleverly shows that all lives are intertwined and in search of answers. Through Larry, he shows the power of perseverance and focus and how it can lead to greater growth.
The Razor’s Edge is a captivating story with a lasting message. Through the various characters, it speaks to each of us and reminds us of our power and potential as humans, offering wisdom, insight and hope. It encourages us to understand that while life brings many of its struggles, ultimately each of us can find our own unique path towards a life filled with meaning and purpose.
