The Moon and Sixpence

Interesting Facts

• The book is inspired by the real-life story of French artist Paul Gauguin, who left his successful career in Paris to dedicate himself to painting in Tahiti.
• The main character of the novel, Charles Strickland, is an allegory for Gauguin and embodies the idea of an artist willing to sacrifice everything for art.
• The novel explores themes of obsession, self-sacrifice, and the search for true calling, showing how far one can go in the pursuit of self-expression.
• The book raises questions about what true art is and the price of its creation, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of talent and genius.
• The plot of the novel unfolds in several countries, including England, France, and Tahiti, highlighting the universality and global nature of the theme of self-discovery.
• The work was received with mixed reviews by critics but has since become a classic, significantly influencing 20th-century literature and art.