An absolutely ripping read, to use the vernacular of the novel. I downloaded the audiobook sort of randomly from the library and am so glad I did. 
 It's the story of an orphan with a club foot, raised by his childless uncle and aunt, and follows his life to about age 25. The title refers, I suppose, to the various ways in which men and women are enslaved to their needs, both physical and psychological. There were times when I wanted to break through the separation of reader and protagonist and give him a shake and a hug, plus some hard-assed motherly advice. 
 Highly recommended.