THE ROUND DOZEN, a Short Story by Somerset Maugham

In W. Somerset Maugham’s story "The Round Dozen," the narrator visits the seaside town of Elsom to recuperate from an illness. He encounters a peculiar elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair, along with their niece, Miss Porchester, who exude an air of antiquated charm and mystery. The narrator becomes intrigued by their old-fashioned mannerisms and strict routines, reminiscent of a bygone era. He strikes up a conversation with Mr. St. Clair, revealing their curious......

[@lindacarruthers3423]

Somerset Maugham is an absolute genius,and I am so grateful to be able to enjoy these readings of his works ❤

[@scm731]

So true.🌻

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Great story! Thank you.

[@hollys5662]

I love this story. I laugh out loud several times and the ending was just too much

[@murwanalrasheed7409]

What a story! I guessed the ending from the title of the story!! 😅

[@susanlang9085]

Yes! This one of the few that seem obvious from the beginning, but still charming

[@bluegtturbo]

I was hoping the ending would be less predictable..

[@helenlauer9545]

absolutely hilarious. Really, Maugham at one his best.

[@vlera8447]

Thank you for the bonus of the lovely song closing out this humorous story.

[@yuenmeelam5397]

who's the singer? n what's the song?

[@lindacarruthers3423]

I thank you too.❤

[@dorisjoseph8269]

Beautiful!

[@shanthanalur4714]

Very interesting, well narrated, thank you

[@fiddlersthree8463]

Yes, the computerized voice braying “Asterisk” repeatedly is an especially artistic touch.

[@jeremypearson6852]

Elsom sounds much like my hometown Southend. Then again, it could be any seaside town in the UK. An expat listening in Florida.

[@georgehartler3423]

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, no one, should deceive another

[@scarletibis3158]

Ty❤

[@Sharon_Mc]

🇬🇧 excellent. Thank you.
Ps. Are those Thames barges in the distance ? If I remember correctly, those barges would 'ply' their trade between the Thames and further North .

[@ginagabriel2613]

👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕

[@Brainteaser5639]

😂 13:56, Me waiting with SM on the bitter juice to become tasty...👀, Matrimonial grievances...

[@Brainteaser5639]

A dozen is an achievement ❤ . Well,who saw this coming?

[@Shineon83]

Maugham at his drollest -- but, Lord what a misogynist he was….

[@katherinemartin394]

I used to agree with you. But I think he is more nuanced than that. If you read “The Colonel’s Lady” and “Rain”, the women come off much better than their hypocritical male counterparts.

[@Michael-bp5im]

A man of his time

[@goldkhw]

Yes. I like him better than the lady writer.

[@SusanBoydcatlover]

Narcissistic man...he couldn't care less about the women he married, stole money from and left.

[@mattneillninasmom]

And when he's spent her money and left her, what then? Not so terribly amusing.

[@karenholley8356]

A pest of society 😅

[@Grace.allovertheplace]

Thank you 🫡/ Respectfully Grace 🩰