Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - The Picture of Dorian Gray

I can't believe I took the majority of my adulthood to read this. It's easily made its way to the top of my favorite books. It's so well written and I mean it when I say Wilde seriously has the most sick burns (a sentence I never thought I'd be writing).

Wilde examines the condition of the human soul, the effect of vanity on the ego, and the results of living a life with no consequences. Wilde has truly treated us to a masterpiece with this book. I was literally yelling for about the last minute or so of the audiobook. If you haven't taken the time yet, let this be your invitation.

Content Warnings

sestout's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

if you think lord henry would hate you, then you're doing something right.

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heycloehere's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Damn boy I was not expecting that ending. Also the quotes in this book are🤌🤌🤌

Content Warnings

bbmaan's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

waytoomanybooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Knowing about Oscar Wilde's past is crucial to reading this novel. It's not just that his gayness was an open secret, but that his targets weren't just men, but also boys. As in actual teenage children. Wilde was also openly Antisemitic and misogynistic in his real life and throughout the novel. What his three main characters do, say, think, and feel very closely mirrors Wilde's own. Much like the titular Dorian, it is clear that Wilde suffered from an inflated ego, was bloated with pride, and had a conscience that weighed him down...but not enough to change, grow, or do better. Trigger warnings abound throughout this novel as we watch Dorian explore the world of vice and sin, leaving a body count in his wake.

Content Warnings