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marionhoney's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, and Classism
Minor: Racism and Antisemitism
gvstyris's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The sitter is merely the accident, the occasion. It is not he who is revealed by the painter; it is rather the painter who, on the coloured canvas, reveals himself. The reason I will not exhibit this picture is that I am afraid that I have shown in it the secret of my own soul.
This was my first time reading anything by Oscar Wilde, and I was surprised by how overt the queer undertones were. I've similarly found Wilde's commentary on his relationship to his characters to be one of the more interesting takeaways here, with him noting that "Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.” Much to research, anyways -- it's clear that this novel is inseparable from Wilde himself.
I've knocked off some points for the odd painfully overwritten section (Chapter 11, for example) which hindered my enjoyment throughout. I definitely had to push through at times, but am glad to have finally read this one.
Those who are faithful know only the trivial side of love: it is the faithless who know love's tragedies.
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Misogyny and Suicide
Minor: Racism and Antisemitism
clemmiem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Racism
peggy_racham's review against another edition
4.75
I really liked the censored version without knowing much about it. This was so much better, more complex and more queer.
Moderate: Body horror, Gore, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Violence, Antisemitism, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
kattypillar13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Death, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, and Classism
maiqz's review against another edition
2.5
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
macliffe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I was hesitant because I’m not a horror reader, but this book did a good job of being gothic without having unnecessary gore or uncomfortable scenes.
The characters were so well done, especially Dorian.
I love how the message of the book is stated subtly at the beginning with Lord Henry saying the world needed a “new hedonism”. Then the plot gives Dorian that new hedonism, but he comes to realize that it doesn’t satisfy and only leaves him miserable.
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Racism, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Suicide, and Blood
Minor: Violence
eloiseyoung's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Antisemitism
lybrarie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
On my journey of reading classics I have come to be used to and even greatly enjoy the style of writing that typically comes with classics, and I have adored a lot of the classics I have read. But I always find myself comparing the love I have for whatever classic I have recently finished to my love for this book. It has been a real joy to come back to.
Since first reading this book, I have read some more of Oscar Wilde's writing and I truly do love it. Coming back to this book I really got to appreciate Wilde's writing and the beauty of it. This is a great book and I really recommend it to everyone. For me it was the perfect gateway into reading classics - it is short and pretty easy to read (as far as classics go), and I love the plot and the message of the book.
I originally only gave this book 4 stars, but now I am increasing it to 5. This book is not perfect, but since I rate off of overall enjoyment I still want to give this 5 stars.
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, and Antisemitism
doriandelioncourt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Classism