Of Human Bondage is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, first published in 1915. It is the story of Philip Carey, an orphaned young man who is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in London. Philip is a sensitive and intelligent boy, but he is also crippled by a club foot, which makes him an outcast in the eyes of his peers. He is sent to a boarding school, where he is bullied and ostracized.
Philip eventually goes to medical school, where he meets Mildred, a waitress who is his first love. Mildred is a cruel and manipulative woman who takes advantage of Philip's naivete and vulnerability. She leads him on a roller coaster of emotions, from love to hate and back again. Philip is unable to break free from her, despite the fact that she is clearly bad for him.
Philip eventually moves to Paris, where he meets a kind and gentle woman named Sally. He falls in love with her, but she is engaged to another man. Philip is devastated, and he returns to London. He eventually meets a woman named Norah, who is the opposite of Mildred. She is kind and loving, and she helps Philip to heal from his past experiences.
The novel follows Philip's journey as he struggles to find his place in the world. He is constantly searching for meaning and purpose, and he is often frustrated by his inability to find it. He is also haunted by his past experiences, and he is unable to move on until he learns to forgive himself and others. In the end, Philip finds peace and acceptance, and he is able to move forward with his life.
Of Human Bondage is a classic novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. It is a story of a young man's struggle to find his place in the world, and it is a timeless tale of the human condition.