At the beginning of The Painted Veil, Kitty Fane is a beautiful but shallow woman. At 25, she had turned down some opportunities for marriage and finally realized she must do it soon. She actually accepted Walter Fane because he had to return to Hong Kong, so she was able to miss her younger sister’s more suitable wedding.
And in fact, the book begins with her affair with a married man, Charlie Townsend, being discovered by Walter when they’ve been married less than a year. She is infatuated by Townsend, who is handsome, polished, popular, everything that Walter is not.
Walter doesn’t say anything at first. Then he gives her a choice—either come with him into the interior of China to an area rife with cholera or if Townsend’s wife will give him a divorce, he will let Kitty go. Kitty is sure that Townsend will divorce and marry her, but it is clear he won’t and that he isn’t the man she thought he was.
Kitty is convinced she will die, but she sets off with Walter for the interior where, as a doctor and bacteriologist, he thinks he can help. On this journey, Kitty begins to grow up. She finds that Walter is highly regarded because of his untiring work with the ill, and she herself begins helping out by working in an orphanage run by French nuns.
Although I disliked Kitty at the beginning of this novel, as she becomes more aware and empathetic, I began to like her. At first heartbroken, she begins to see both men for what they are—Townsend selfish and irresponsible, Walter much more estimable. I ended up liking the novel quite a bit.
What? Me Read? 
I read Theatre by Maugham last year and really enjoyed it. This sounds good too.
My first exposure to him years ago was Of Human Bondage, which I wouldn’t wish on anybody, and which made me not read him. But the last couple years I’ve tried several other things by him and enjoyed them.
I liked this one too. I think it’s the only one of his novels I’ve read, though I’ve enjoyed some of his short stories.
It was made into a beautiful movie about 10 or 12 years ago.
Yes, I saw that one for once – a very good adaptation!
That’s what made me want to read the book, although I don’t remember the movie making the woman seem as vapid as she was at the beginning of the novel.
I enjoyed this one too and had similar feelings about Kitty. I still haven’t read anything else by Maugham!
You might like Cakes and Ale.
I read this in college and remember finding it okayish. I love his short stories. Your review has made me want to pick him up again.
I haven’t read any of his stories. I think this might be the kind of novel you appreciate more when you are older.
Yes, I agree. Do read his stories. Most of them I read in school and still remember them.
Fun to see how your feelings changed throughout the book. It means the author did a great job!
Yes, you’re right.