Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Razor's Edge summary
Brief summary
The Razor's Edge is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham that follows the spiritual journey of its protagonist, Larry Darrell, as he searches for meaning and truth in a post-World War I world.
Table of Contents
The Razor's Edge
Summary of key ideas
Beginnings in Chicago
In The Razor's Edge, by W. Somerset Maugham, our story begins in Chicago when Larry Darrell returns from World War I a changed man. Once engaged to the beautiful and wealthy Isabel, Larry no longer desires the conventional life that his fiancée is set on. Driven by a burning need to understand the meaning of life, he breaks off their engagement to find his existential quest.
This decision sends ripples through his tight-knit circle of friends, including the ambitious financier Gray, snobbish socialite Elliot, and the pragmatic novelist, who shares the name of the book's author, Somerset Maugham. Each will play a vital role in Larry's profound personal journey for spiritual enlightenment.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Providing a contrast to Larry's introspective journey are characters that choose materialistic lives. This offers readers an insightful contrast between spiritual and material fulfillment. While Larry travels to Germany and Spain and finally settles in India to live a life of austerity, Isabel marries Gray, embracing a life of luxury yet deep down longs for Larry.
The bohemian artist Sophie, another character who, after a series of personal tragedies, spirals into self-destruction, vividly illustrates the dire consequences when one's life loses purpose. Somerset Maugham, as a semi-fictional character, provides a neutral perspective, connecting the different characters' stories into one compelling narrative.
Illusion of Happiness
The novel punctuates its arcs of personal journey with moments of existential rumination. Larry's quest eventually leads him to quench his spiritual thirst at an ashram in India, where he finds enlightenment. On the other side of the spectrum, Isabel's materialistic lifestyle proves unfulfilling when Gray's fortune crashes with the Great Depression and her ongoing yearning for Larry unravels her supposed marital happiness.
Sophie's tragic demise after falling off the wagon hard, dragged down by her loss and suffering, becomes a particularly stark commentary on the pursuit of superficial happiness. The author prompts us - through these characters' lost and found happiness - to reassess our definition of fulfillment.
A Conclusive Perspective
In the end, Larry's self-realization in accepting life's transience brings him peace. He chooses happiness by giving up material desires and living a detached, humble life in America, working as a mechanic. Isabel remains in her unhappy marriage, unable to let go of her love for Larry and her attachment to luxury. The semi-fictional author Somerset Maugham, who holds the story together, provides an astute commentary on the choices his characters make, prompting readers to reconsider the price of their pursuits.
In The Razor's Edge, W. Somerset Maugham poses profound questions about life, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment against the backdrop of a changing world. Its rich character development and intricate plot make it not only a captivating read but also a deep examination of human nature and the essence of happiness.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Razor's Edge about?
The Razor's Edge is a novel that follows the journey of Larry Darrell, a young American who sets out on a quest for meaning and enlightenment after World War I. Through his travels and encounters with various characters, the book explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the search for ultimate truth. It delves into the complexities of human existence and the different paths one can take in pursuit of a fulfilling life.
The Razor's Edge Review
The Razor's Edge (1944) is a thought-provoking novel that explores the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its complex and relatable characters, the story takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.
- It challenges societal norms and explores profound themes such as spirituality, happiness, and the search for truth.
- Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, the book captivates readers, keeping them engaged from start to finish.
Who should read The Razor's Edge?
- Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of life's purpose and meaning
- People who are interested in exploring different paths to personal fulfillment and happiness
- Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and introspective novels
Categories with The Razor's Edge
Book summaries like The Razor's Edge
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Razor's Edge FAQs
What is the main message of The Razor's Edge?
The main message of The Razor's Edge is to find one's true purpose and live a meaningful life.
How long does it take to read The Razor's Edge?
The reading time for The Razor's Edge varies, but it can be finished in several hours. The Blinkist summary takes just 15 minutes.
Is The Razor's Edge a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Razor's Edge is worth reading for its examination of existential questions and exploration of different paths to fulfillment.
Who is the author of The Razor's Edge?
The author of The Razor's Edge is W. Somerset Maugham.
What to read after The Razor's Edge?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Razor's Edge, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda