The Trembling of a Leaf

Palm trees. Pacific islands. Lives forever changed.

In W. Somerset Maugham’s masterful collection of six stories set in the South Sea Islands, the exotic becomes intimately human. The Trembling of a Leaf (also known as Little Stories of the South Sea Islands) explores the clash between Western civilization and primal nature, between desire and duty, and the quiet ways the tropics can unravel even the strongest souls.

From the haunting title story of a man haunted by failure and the relentless beauty of the islands, to the tragic “Rain”—one of Maugham’s most famous tales, featuring the fanatical missionary Mr. Davidson and the irrepressible Sadie Thompson—these stories reveal the fragility of human character when removed from the constraints of society. With his signature elegance, psychological acuity, and subtle irony, Maugham delivers unforgettable portraits of planters, missionaries, beachcombers, and dreamers whose lives tremble under the weight of passion, guilt, and the indifferent power of the tropics.

• First published in 1921
• Includes the iconic story “Rain,” which was adapted multiple times for stage and screen
• One of Maugham’s most celebrated short story collections, drawn from his own Pacific travels

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Elegant print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text, ideal for your bookshelf.
• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.
• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, perfect for immersive listening.

A beautifully crafted collection for lovers of masterful short fiction, exotic settings, and penetrating insight into the human heart, or the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates timeless tales of adventure and moral complexity.

About the Author

W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, regarded as one of the greatest storytellers of his era. A master of lucid, witty prose and penetrating character studies, his works—including Of Human Bondage, The Moon and Sixpence, Cakes and Ale, and the short story collections The Trembling of a Leaf and Ashenden—have delighted readers for over a century. Trained as a doctor, Maugham drew from his extensive travels and sharp observations of human nature to create enduring literature of love, adventure, and the human condition.