Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Picture of Dorian Gray is the quintessential introduction to gothic horror classics, which sounds hyper-specific, but is the simplest assessment of the book. As a classic, I would only recommend this as an entry point to the horror reader. While there is a definitive plot structure, this is still very slow paced, abstract, and literary. The gothic elements are present and the writing contribute to the eerie, cryptic, and disturbing nature of the subject and atmosphere. It is a classic for a reason, but know that part of the reason is the ambiguity that lends itself to academic discussion.
dorian would EAT UP forever 21.
no joke this book is honestly life-changing. wow.
no joke this book is honestly life-changing. wow.
dark
fast-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
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
read by: sept 2025
reviewed: oct 2025
a really fulfilling reread. the broader philosophical question about decadence, morality, and artistic expectations was very interesting in how it was explored. i was pretty intrigued by the introduction, and the background on oscar wilde provided - it became much easier to understand the story once i understood more about where wilde was coming from. in some ways, i think the time period, and the society surrounding the characters of the novel is both wholly unfamiliar and familiar simultaneously - there are still tons of people who believe in the morals of victorian england today, to some extent. i think the idea that art corrupts is one of the most prevalent ideas i see still around. this book was beautiful, and i see why that old world wasn't ready for something like this. even if it's not all that long ago, and with some of the same ideas, i am glad this is one of those time periods where this uncensored copy isn't hidden from public view.
thing is, i kinda just wanted more out of it. i thought a bit more of a gradual portrayal as to dorian's character arc, and to the events of the story in general, would've given it a more wholesome feeling. it felt brief somehow. nevertheless, still very worth the read.
reviewed: oct 2025
a really fulfilling reread. the broader philosophical question about decadence, morality, and artistic expectations was very interesting in how it was explored. i was pretty intrigued by the introduction, and the background on oscar wilde provided - it became much easier to understand the story once i understood more about where wilde was coming from. in some ways, i think the time period, and the society surrounding the characters of the novel is both wholly unfamiliar and familiar simultaneously - there are still tons of people who believe in the morals of victorian england today, to some extent. i think the idea that art corrupts is one of the most prevalent ideas i see still around. this book was beautiful, and i see why that old world wasn't ready for something like this. even if it's not all that long ago, and with some of the same ideas, i am glad this is one of those time periods where this uncensored copy isn't hidden from public view.
thing is, i kinda just wanted more out of it. i thought a bit more of a gradual portrayal as to dorian's character arc, and to the events of the story in general, would've given it a more wholesome feeling. it felt brief somehow. nevertheless, still very worth the read.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't have words to describe how I feel after the end, I'll have to think about it for approximately all my life I believe.
Some of my favorite written lines come from this book. Lord Henry was exquisite
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes