CAKES AND ALE

‘Cakes and Ale’ is a lesser known satirical novel by W. Somerset Maugham, famed for his literary classics such as ‘The Painted Veil’, loved amongst Den fans and bookclubbers. Picked as our Missed Opportunity read this month, it is a deliciously wicked satire of the literati in Maugham's world so perfect for fans of his work and those who enjoy contemporary novels of yesteryears.

The story is narrated by William Ashenden, a writer who reflects on his past friendships including a recently deceased author Edward Driffield, and his first wife, Rosie. A colleague, writer and ‘friend’ Alroy Kear, seeks Ashenden's input for a biography of Driffield, but Ashenden's memories paint a different picture than the one Kear is trying so hard to create. This includes Driffield's humbler beginnings in Blackstable, a Kent seaside town, the narrator's own hidden relationship with Rosie as a young adult, the intriguing tales of Driffield's wife and the real-life events behind Driffield's scandalous novel 'The Cup of Life' which almost gets him cancelled.

Written by Maugham at 53, between the first and second world wars, this book is not only inspired by his own life but was also acknowledged to be his favourite. He explains ‘it is the impressions of a man’s first twenty years which form him’ and this makes for a delectable read. As a reader there is plenty of humour enjoying Maugham’s critique of his peers as well as trying to discover which other famous authors he might be poking fun at. Critics at the time suggested this included Thomas Hardy and Hugh Walpole.

A short read (the novel was originally a four part serial in the popular magazine 'Harper's Bazaar'), 'Cakes and Ale' reminds us how novels ‘of the moment’ can be overhyped by influencers, social media and even novelists themselves who are under pressure to recommend their peers. The Den enjoyed the coterie of characters, such as Mrs Trafford and the sycophantic novelist Alroy Kear who created the fizz promoting the new novels and trending authors. This was in the days before publicists, PR and industry awards! So it is OK to be discerning and maybe a bit 'sniffy' about what you like in your book club.