Rain

While stranded waiting for their ship to be released from quarantine, Dr. and Mrs. Macphail must share lodging with the insufferable Davidsons—self-righteous and over-zealous missionaries who also happen to be the only polite company on the god-forsaken island near Pago-Pago. But, things take a dreadful and unexpected turn when Mr. Davidson takes it upon himself to rescue the soul of their neighbor downstairs from second cabin—the insolent, carousing, and inimitable Miss Sadie Thompson.

Harrowing and triumphant, “Rain” is indispensable reading, a foundational work for the tradition of short story writing, and one of W. Somerset Maugham’s greatest tales.