"The Moon and Sixpence" is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, published in 1919. It is loosely based on the life of the French painter Paul Gauguin and tells the story of Charles Strickland, a stockbroker who abandons his family and career to pursue his passion for painting in Tahiti. The narrative explores themes of artistic obsession and the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. The novel is narrated by an unnamed character who becomes fascinated by Strickland's life and choices. As Strickland immerses himself in his art, he faces both admiration and criticism, ultimately revealing the complexities of creativity and the sacrifices artists make for their craft.