The Painted Veil

I recently re-read this Maugham 1925 classic for my book club and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a great reminder that a good book doesn't need to be long and have a complex plot.  This moves quickly and is beautifully written, almost poetic in places.  It makes for a good discussion on the values and view of the world and social classes in Victorian / Edwardian times. The story is of love, adultery and consequences, set in Colonial China. As much as I liked the book if you want to get a feel of setting and a bit more depth to the story I also recommend the movie of  The Painted Veil with Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. It's well acted and the settings are breathtakingly beautiful.  The book is also available as a Book Club Collection title.