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kari_g's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oscar Wilde is actually a genius and I cannot believe this book was submitted as evidence against him in court because this novel, nay THIS MASTERPIECE, evokes nothing but joy, enthrallment, and general all around good times. Wilde masterfully weaves general sweeping rationalizations about life and the mysteries of humanity while describing the mundane.
WARNING:::: I KNOW IT IS TEMPTING BUT AESTHETICISM, NIHILISM, AND ABSOLUTISM IS NEVER EVER THE WAY TO GO. I KNOW LORD HENRY IS CHARMING AND WHEN YOU READ IT YOURE LIKE WOOOWWWW BUT DONT BELIEVE IT THE WHOLE POINT OF THE BOOK IS DO NOT BELIEVE MY BOY HARRY AT ANY COST.
No but seriously, let me level with you a moment, I don’t reread books. There’s over 250 books in my want to read pile and it grows by the second. I have always firmly believed in getting to them before I read what I’ve already read. BUt I am LOOKING FORWARD to rereading this hook actually next month. It is phenomenal. It is show stopping. If you want to keep living in close-minded, mediocre little world, then I implore you, never read this book. But if you want to taste the very nectar of the gods and see the very colors with which nature paints and feel beauty as a part of your soul forever, I present to you your very next read.
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Gore, Suicide, Antisemitism, Drug use, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia and Outing
kattila'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
3.5
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Racism, Misogyny, Classism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, Toxic friendship, and Death
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Death of parent and Blood
wowsmeows'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
3.5
"Beautiful sins, like beautiful things, are the privilege of the rich."
I went into Dorian Gray without knowing anything about it, and I really enjoyed it for the most part.
The main story is intriguing and there was a few unexpected moments that I really enjoyed. The three main characters (Dorian, Henry and Basil) are so incredibly unlikeable and would be tedious to know in real life, yet I still found them to be engaging. I think this book is a great example of how main characters do not have to be likeable for a story to be enjoyed.
The thing I disliked about the novel novels is that it feels like the story gets interrupted by the author going on a personal tangent and lecturing the audience. I really struggled through one specific chapter and I very nearly didn't pick it back up again. It felt very preachy and really interrupted the story.
Overall, I enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray and I'm glad I picked it up!
Minor: Drug use, Mental illness, Violence, Death, Sexism, Suicide, and Classism
libra_sun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My one critique is that there is a bit of rambling in some passages, but it's kind of par for the course in these types of books.
Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Gore, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
olive_lol'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
3.5
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Murder, and Suicide
Moderate: Violence, Classism, Sexism, and Antisemitism
Minor: Blood, Animal death, and Gun violence
megstickz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“The puzzle is that a young man of decent parts, who enjoyed (when he was at Oxford) the opportunity of associating with gentlemen, should put his name (such as it is) to so stupid and vulgar a piece of work”.
5/5 excellent read.
Graphic: Murder and Violence
riverofhorton's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
One of the few things I didn't find enjoyable about this book, was Chapter 11. I understand the intention behind that particular chapter completely, but for me it seemed to drag on too much and added relatively little to the story that couldn't have been contained in a couple of paragraphs.
Here is a bullet pointed review I posted elsewhere online:
- Dear God, the gay. I don't even want to count how many gay bits I tabbed.
Basil is an absolute sweetheart and deserved way better. Dorian could have been an amazing person, if he hadn't been corrupted. Harry can suck a d*ck. To paraphrase the Frankenstein Vs. monster thing: Knowledge is knowing Harry isn't the villain, wisdom is knowing Harry is the villain. Alan reminded me of Dr Jekyll in a lot of ways, which I liked but I don't know if this was intentional or just my brain. - Chapter 11 dragged so much, and only really added
"Dorian spent 18 years collecting hobbies, some of which will be briefly mentioned later." Probably going to skip it next read. - And yes, I will be re-reading it.
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Classism, Toxic friendship, Physical abuse, Violence, Abandonment, Alcohol, Suicide, Infidelity, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
biobeetle'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
3.5
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Violence and Body horror
thestrangebeingyouare's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Addiction, Mental illness, Murder, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Classism, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, Body horror, Drug use, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Antisemitism
the story is strange and beautiful, but the main characters are all extremely flawed. there are also some aspects of misogyny and antisemitism that are unrelated to the plot, so i do warn you to be aware of the authors prejudices so you can critically read the story.kaylsy04's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder and Violence