Liza of Lambeth (1897) is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Written
while the author was living as a medical student in London, the
Maugham's debut marked an electrifying start to an illustrious career in
literature. Controversial for its portrayal of infidelity, domestic
violence, and women's reproductive health, Liza of Lambeth is a gritty
realist tale that takes an honest look at the everyday struggles of
actual Londoners in a time of celebration and nostalgia for the Empire.
Set in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, Liza of
Lambeth follows a young woman in her life as a factory worker and
caretaker for her ailing mother. Although she is only 18, Liza Kemp is a
hard worker who desires more from life than that which she was born
into. When a rare holiday gives her the chance to unwind in the
countryside with a group of friends, she takes a much-needed break from
her daily responsibilities to partake in a carriage ride. There, she
meets Jim Blakeston, a married father of five who has recently moved to
a home near Liza's. Drunk on beer, she begins to feel attracted to the
man, who sneaks a kiss before the night draws to a close. Soon, they
begin an ill-fated affair, sneaking off whenever possible to elude the
suspicions of friends and family. As lust turns to violence, Liza learns
too late the dangers of trusting men. With a beautifully designed cover
and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of W. Somerset
Maugham's Liza of Lambeth is a classic work of British literature
reimagined for modern readers.
