The Painted Veil delves into the life and moral evolution of Kitty Garstin, a shallow and privileged woman who marries the introverted bacteriologist Walter Fane. When Kitty's affair with the charming Charlie Townsend is uncovered, Walter gives her an ultimatum: face a public divorce or accompany him to a remote Chinese village plagued by cholera. The choice leads Kitty on a transformative journey as she confronts her own failings and seeks redemption. Set against a backdrop of colonial tensions and personal turmoil, the novel explores themes of betrayal, the complexities of love, and the possibilities of forgiveness and personal growth.
The Painted Veil, which intricately weaves personal transformation against a backdrop of colonial ethics and medical challenges, reflects Maugham's background in medicine and his acute observations of human behavior. The book offers a critique of colonial life and moral dilemmas, marking it as a significant piece in the study of early 20th-century British literature.
This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.