Up at the Villa
Enriched edition. A Tale of Love, Loss, and Society in 1930s ItalyBy W. Somerset Maugham
Length4h 33m
About this audiobook
In "Up at the Villa," W. Somerset Maugham intricately weaves a tale of romance, moral complexity, and existential reflection, set against the enchanting backdrop of post-World War I Italy. The novel's elegant prose captures the vibrant sights and sounds of Florence, exploring the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters, particularly the protagonist, Mary Panton. Maugham's narrative style combines clarity with an incisive understanding of human behavior, navigating the intricacies of desire, social class, and ethical dilemmas in an era defined by upheaval and transformation. The work serves as a critical reflection on the human condition and the fragility of life, echoing Maugham's broader literary inquiries into the nature of happiness and the consequences of choice. W. Somerset Maugham, an acclaimed playwright and novelist, drew on his extensive travels and experiences to craft this compelling narrative. Having lived through the turmoil of the early twentieth century, including the Great War's devastating impacts, Maugham's insights into love and loss resonate powerfully throughout the story. His keen observations of society and interpersonal relationships illuminate the characters' struggles, reflecting broader existential themes that persist in his oeuvre. "Up at the Villa" is a must-read for those captivated by intricate character studies set against richly drawn landscapes. Maugham's masterful storytelling engages the reader's emotions and intellect, making this novel not only an exploration of personal desire but also a profound commentary on the nature of human relationships. Whether a seasoned Maugham aficionado or a newcomer to his work, readers will find themselves ensnared by the novel's depth and beauty.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.9 (11.1K)
Includes Goodreads, LibraryThing, StoryGraph, Amazon
GenreGeneral Fiction, Romance
Length4 hrs 33 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateAug 31, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Author Biography
Show all chaptersShow less
6Up at the Villa: CHAPTER I (pt. 1)
7Up at the Villa: CHAPTER I (pt. 2)
8Analysis
9Reflection
10Memorable Quotes
Ashenden - The British Agent (Annotated)W. Somerset Maugham10h 47m4.4 (1K)$2 · $0.00
The Painted VeilW. Somerset Maugham7h 39m4.1 (78K)$1 · $0.00
Liza of LambethW. Somerset Maugham4h 35m3.5 (3.7K)$2 · $0.00
The Summing UpW. Somerset Maugham9h 43m3.9 (2.1K)$1 · $0.00
CosmopolitansW. Somerset Maugham6h 35m3.8 (218)$2 · $0.00
Cæsar's WifeW. Somerset Maugham3h 56m3.8 (58)$2 · $0.00
The HeroW. Somerset Maugham7h 32m3.7 (478)$2 · $0.00
The Hour Before the DawnW. Somerset Maugham8h 7m3.7 (353)$2 · $0.00
The ExplorerW. Somerset Maugham7h 52m3.4 (698)$2 · $0.00
Jack Straw: A Farce in Three ActsW. Somerset Maugham3h 42m3.3 (29)$1 · $0.00
The Merry-go-roundW. Somerset Maugham2h 34m3.9 (817)$2 · $0.00
The Razor's EdgeW. Somerset Maugham14h 30m4.2 (62.1K)$2 · $0.00
Ashenden: or, The British AgentW. Somerset Maugham10h 32m3.9 (6.9K)$1 · $0.00
Of Human BondageW. Somerset Maugham26h 58m4.2 (193.6K)$1 · $0.00
The Hour Before the DawnW. Somerset Maugham9h 28m3.6 (173)$1 · $0.00
The MagicianW. Somerset Maugham9h 30m3.7 (7.4K)$1 · $0.00
Liza of LambethW. Somerset Maugham2h 23m3.6 (3.4K)$1 · $0.00
The Land of The Blessed Virgin; Sketches and Impressions in AndalusiaW. Somerset Maugham6h 34m3.4 (92)$2 · $0.00
Up at the VillaW. Somerset Maugham4h 38m3.8 (12.1K)$2 · $0.00
WhistlerAnn Patchett10h 45m4.6 (4.6K)$29 · $0.00
Demon CopperheadBarbara Kingsolver21h 3m4.5 (949.4K)$46 · $0.00
To Kill a MockingbirdHarper Lee12h 18m4.5 (7.4M)$29 · $0.00
Remarkably Bright CreaturesShelby Van Pelt11h 17m4.4 (1.7M)$29 · $0.00
The Ghost by the Billabong (The Matilda Saga, #5)Jackie French14h 58m4.6 (773)$33 · $0.00
Cast in BloodMichelle Sagara16h 35m4.6 (607)$33 · $0.00
The Captain Blood Trilogy (Annotated)Rafael Sabatini29h 20m4.6 (1K)$3 · $0.00
Ship of the Line (Annotated)Cecil Louis Troughton Smith11h 13m4.6 (1K)$2 · $0.00
The George Orwell CollectionGeorge Orwell24h 46m4.5 (14.4K)$12 · $0.00
Time RegainedMarcel Proust15h 38m4.5 (9.2K)$2 · $0.00
Driving ForceElle James4h 58m4.6 (407)$20 · $0.00
When God Calls the HeartBrian Bird, Michelle Cox3h 24m4.6 (439)$10 · $0.00
Five Little IndiansMichelle Good10h 34m4.5 (64.5K)$29 · $0.00
Lolth's WarriorR. A. Salvatore13h 20m4.6 (2.4K)$33 · $0.00
The Things We Cannot SayKelly Rimmer13h 48m4.5 (359.1K)$33 · $0.00
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du BoisHonoree Fanonne Jeffers29h 49m4.5 (58K)$8 · $0.00
Going PostalTerry Pratchett11h 23m4.5 (189.9K)$29 · $0.00
Glen AffricKarine Giebel22h 51m4.5 (3.2K)$46 · $0.00
The Book Of NegroesLawrence Hill15h 45m4.5 (107.3K)$33 · $0.00
Lieutenant Hornblower (Annotated)C. S. Forester11h 41m4.5 (2.9K)$2 · $0.00
Arctic WitnessHeather Woodhaven5h 46m4.6 (985)$12 · $0.00
Following the TrailLynette Eason6h 35m4.6 (2.3K)$12 · $0.00
Her Duty Bound DefenderSharee Stover6h 30m4.6 (558)$12 · $0.00
Defending from DangerJodie Bailey5h 46m4.6 (588)$24 · $0.00
White HotIlona Andrews13h 18m4.5 (136.9K)$5 · $0.00
Explosive RevengeMaggie K. Black6h 18m4.6 (545)$12 · $0.00
Her Brand of JusticeB.J. Daniels6h 48m4.6 (1.3K)$12 · $0.00
Search And DetectTerri Reed5h 51m4.6 (706)$24 · $0.00
Driving ForceElle James4h 58m4.6 (407)$20 · $0.00
Danger in the WildernessDarlene L. Turner6h 54m4.7 (299)$12 · $0.00
Yukon JusticeDana Mentink6h 15m4.6 (751)$12 · $0.00
The Rogue WarriorCindy Roland Anderson5h 44m4.6 (409)$17 · $0.00
Trail Of ThreatsJessica R. Patch5h 47m4.6 (425)$24 · $0.00
Ironwood, a Fae Universe SeriesAlessa Thorn26h 57m4.6 (835)$30 · $0.00
Ready to ProtectValerie Hansen5h 38m4.6 (981)$24 · $0.00
Searching For EvidenceCarol J. Post6h 21m4.6 (552)$24 · $0.00
New Beginnings at Lullbury BayGeorgia Hill6h 59m4.6 (422)$13 · $0.00
Hiding in MontanaLaura Scott6h 18m4.6 (1K)$12 · $0.00
Christmas K-9 Unit HeroesLenora Worth, Katy Lee5h 51m4.6 (507)$24 · $0.00
Three ComradesErich Maria Remarque15h 50m4.5 (47.3K)$2 · $0.00
You may also like
The secret sharerJoseph Conrad1h 46m3.9 (7.7K)$3 · $0.00
The StreetAnn Petry13h 25m4.4 (23.6K)$33 · $0.00
The Desert and the SeaMichael Scott Moore12h 7m4.2 (4.5K)$29 · $0.00
The Secret SharerJoseph Conrad1h 46m3.8 (10.3K)$0.60 · $0.00
Men without WomenErnest Hemingway5h 49m3.8 (18.9K)$2 · $0.00
The House of the DeadFyodor Dostoyevsky12h 15m4.2 (44.1K)$2.30
The Dawn Prayer (or How to Survive in a Secret Syrian Terrorist Prison)Matthew Schrier9h 46m4.3 (528)$20 · $0.00
Saint JackPaul Theroux8h 19m3.7 (1.1K)$26 · $0.00
Victory: An Island TaleJoseph Conrad14h 6m3.9 (6.9K)$2 · $0.00
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (The Ultimate James Bond Classic)Ian Fleming5h 4m3.5 (21.1K)$2 · $0.00
Anywhere You RunWanda M. Morris9h 50m4.1 (12.3K)$29 · $0.00
Promise KeptK’wan11h 20m4.4 (436)$20
Daddy's HouseAzarel6h 54m4.2 (275)$17
Australia's Most Infamous Jail: Inside the walls of Pentridge PrisonJames Phelps8h 35m4.1 (347)$26 · $0.00
Oliver TwistCharles Dickens17h 53m4.0 (493.6K)$1.20 · $0.00
The Last Boss of BrightonDouglas Century13h 23m4.1 (397)$33 · $0.00
The Identity ManAndrew Klavan8h 46m3.6 (2.1K)$20
Age of ViceDeepti Kapoor19h 28m3.7 (51.7K)$40 · $0.00
My Fourth Time, We DrownedSally Hayden13h 59m4.6 (2.9K)$23 · $0.00
Wonder ValleyIvy Pochoda10h 40m3.7 (3.8K)$29 · $0.00