Hmmm. Interesting. A shame the movie influenced you so strongly that it took away from the characters in the book. I also find it interesting that you can read a book set in a past generation through the lens of today's social evolutions.

For me, it's the writing that matters much more than the characters. I have read many great books about many unsavory characters and liked the story no less because the people were monsters. I'm not trying to be a troll, I'm honestly curious about that take, is all.

For me, the Razor's Edge sits #2 on my "best written books ever read." Maugham's narrative is art on the highest level.

Coincidentally, another fan of the book suggests never watching the Bill Murray movie. That doing so will only take away from the book, and leave one disappointed in the film adaption. However, with your accolades, I may reconsider.