CAKES AND ALE

The third volume of Somerset Maugham's Collected Short Stories, introduced by the author, contains the celebrated series about Ashenden, a secret service agent in World War I. Based on Maugham's own experiences with the British Intelligence service in Switzerland, the stories are vignettes in which he dramatises both the romance and absurdity of espionage as well as its ruthlessness and brutality. Accountable only to 'R', Ashenden travels all over the Continent on assignments which entangle him with such characters as the traitor Grantley Caypor, the passionate Guilia Lazzari, and the sinister 'hairless Mexican'.

This final classic collection of stories reveals Somerset Maugham's unique talent for exposing and exploring the bitter realities of human relationships. Brilliant tales of love, infidelity, passion and prejudice, the stories range from 'The Lotus Eater' in which a man has a vision of a life of bliss in the Mediterranean, to the astringent tales of 'The Outstation' and 'The Back of Beyond' in Malaya and South East Asia. Largely set in favourite Maugham country, this colourful collection brilliantly evokes the numbered days of the British Empire.

This is a masterful adaptation of Maugham's tale of one man's search for enlightenment. His quest weaves through European and American society from WWI through the Great Depression, allowing Maugham to introduce characters from every niche of French, American, and English society. It's a pleasure to hear Michael Page switch accents to bring each of them to life. His voice balances perfectly Maugham's strong narrative with the individualized syntax and slang that distinguishes them. Page also manages one of the toughest tasks of all, delivering Maugham's reflections on the nature of the human spirit so that both the worldly cynicism and the spiritual yearning come through. G.T.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright - AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From the love affair between a missionary and a drunkard to the mystery surrounding a death at sea, this collection gives a warm and humourous insight into life and history of life in the colonies and stands as a superbly entertaining and compelling testament to Maugham's skill and power as a short story writer.