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stephen_delavue's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's okay, of course the bootleg doesn't come anywhere near being as good as it's original. I love Oscar Wilde to death, but that bias didn't stop me from enjoying bits of a book whose entire purpose is basically to make fun of him. The story has a few really good lines within it, and do to its short length it doesn't really over stay its welcome. However, the running gag of Lord Reggie and Esmé being narcissists does wear itself thin after a bit and Esmé's monologues do tend to read on the rather tiresome side from time to time. Honestly, I'd rather just reread "The Picture of Dorian Gray", but if you're interested I suppose it's worth a read.
agmaynard's review
3.0
A creditable endeavor and some very pretty writing in parts. Hichens took a lot of Oscar Wilde's epigrams and close observations of him and created Esme in his image. Also, Lord Reggie stands in for Lord Alfred Douglas. Suitable for those looking to expand their understanding of Wilde and his milieu.
ralphlanyon's review
2.0
No, The Green Carnation, in and of itself, is not a good piece of literature. No one should read it expecting to be dazzled by wit or captivated by the characters. If you would like to read an example of good literature regarding the Decadents/Aesthetics of the 1890s, look elsewhere. The only people who will glean any real value or enjoyment from this novel are those already intimately familiar with Wilde, Bosie and company; The Green Carnation provides an interesting glimpse into the mindset of Wilde's detractors, allowing one to get a better grasp on the perceptions of 'the other side', so to speak. It is not very pleasant in conventional terms, but it is a way to gain a clearer understanding of the conflict over the Decadents in early 1890s England. Be aware of the context and historical significance of this novel before deciding whether or not you want to read it.
kjcharles's review
My God this was physically painful. A thinly veiled satire of Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, apparently written by a friends of theirs and lifting loads of lines from their daily chat, and if that is the case I am amazed anyone spoke to either of them. Self-satisfied pretentious drivel under a thin veil of moralising, with bonus anti Semitism and vague fears of paedophilia. Plus a weird plot whereby the Bosie character is trying to persuade a woman to marry him. Pointless and rather poisonous: with friends like this Wilde really didn't need enemies.
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