"Liza of Lambeth," is Maugham's literary debut, and it is a less accomplished and complex novel than later masterpieces such as "The Razor's Edge" and "The Moon and Sixpence." Nevertheless, this novel is definitely worth reading. The novel tells the story of Liza, a young woman who lives in a lower class London neighborhood. She struggles as she works in a factory and helps her alcoholic mother. Despite the rather grim setting, the characters are surprisingly full of life and humor. Liza is a bit of a social butterfly in the neighborhood and is well-liked until a married man falls in love with her. These relations cause with tragic consequences. There is little sentimentality in the novel, and Maugham was apparently inspired by his work as a medical student in the London slums. Overall, it’s a delightful read.