Apparently, Tony has just come back from military or overseas government service in the Far East. The two friends haven't seen each other in five years. The Servant really is about Tony and his manservant, Barrett. What's going on here? The story begins with the narrator going about his business when a friend from the war, Tony, suddenly gets in touch. It's a quick read, with good writing, excellent dialogue, not much action but with some morally suspect characters whose interactions leave the reader feeling uneasy. The Servant is a slow-burn suspense novella that takes place after World War II.

'One of those little story gems you seldom come across these days.a plausible picture of human collapse told with insight and considerable skill.' ( New York World Telegram) 'An exquisite work of art.a masterpiece of observation and craftsmanship.' ( Sheffield Telegram) 'The story has a quiet and absolutely terrifying inevitability.reminiscent of Henry James himself.' ( News Chronicle)

'It’s shocking, brilliantly written, completely absorbing.' ( Chicago Daily News) succeeds as a horror story of considerable brightness and sharpness.' ( Kirkus Reviews) This new edition includes a preface by Maugham from the 1973 edition, explaining the origins of the novel and a new introduction by William Lawrence. Robin Maugham’s modern classic The Servant (1948) was hailed by The New York Times as 'a masterpiece of writing' and was adapted for a celebrated 1963 film version directed by Joseph Losey and scripted by Harold Pinter. As Barrett gradually and insidiously leads his employer into physical and moral degradation, the roles of master and servant will become grotesquely reversed. Seeking ease and comfort, Tony hires Barrett to cater to his needs, not realizing that his new servant has a hidden agenda. In this dark, haunting tale, Richard Merton recounts the story of his close friend, Tony, a young lawyer recently returned from the war and the subtle, sinister destruction of his personality by his servant, Barrett.

The Servant by Robin Maugham