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mjane93's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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
missyjohnson's review against another edition
2.0
New book club book for the classic category. Not really enjoyable to read as I did not like most of the characters. There were also a lot of words that needed to be looked up in the dictionary. Lord Henry was a bore and arrogant man. He was a terrible friend. Dorian was a silly and immature child that became too much like Lord Henry. The attitude of all of the folks when the accidental shooting occurred during the hunt of the “beater” was completely disgusting. There was absolutely no caring nor remorse for the death. Thinking that the gardener was merely coming to see what flowers Dorian wanted displayed at dinner was awful, but then that was the point of the story I guess……
pinksreads's review against another edition
4.0
I have thoughts, but they're far from coherent.
I also have a void, I don't know what to read next.
I've made notes, but I can't seem to type them down. Because most of them are quotes and we've seen enough of that on Goodreads.
This book is unusual. And I feel like this is one of those rare books can can be good and bad at the same time. Not because it is philosophical, and open to interpretation. There are so many layers that you can peel, and each layer gives you a whole new perspective inside the brain of the three main characters: Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wutton and Basil Hallaward.
Yes, Basil is one of the main character, by latent influence. And by far the most difficult layer, because we don't see his direct personality in the book. However, we can gauge him as an anti-Dorian, and that is how we know more about his nature than even Lord Henry, who is the supporting role. What makes Basil's personality less significant is the vagueness of the method of exposure of it. The interpretations and implications get murkier as the novel goes by.
I still stand by the fact that Basil Hallaward is relevant.
Other than that, for a book that revolves around characters, this has done its job too well. I've never seen more complexly written characters in years of reading. Lord Henry's influence on young Dorian is perceived in a very subtle manner, the implications far too catastrophic. Dorian Gray is not shown to have done tragic things explicitly, but underlying insinuations have broken their way through my mind and painted unimaginable horrors. The writing is a beauty if I ever saw one.
For someone not being able to understand the premise of a classic, I can see how this book is a tedious read. However, for those who are interested, it's just plain wonder, and an absolute debacle.
I feel like I will have to reread this book in couple months time, hopefully a paperback. I will have a more cohesive review then.
I also have a void, I don't know what to read next.
I've made notes, but I can't seem to type them down. Because most of them are quotes and we've seen enough of that on Goodreads.
This book is unusual. And I feel like this is one of those rare books can can be good and bad at the same time. Not because it is philosophical, and open to interpretation. There are so many layers that you can peel, and each layer gives you a whole new perspective inside the brain of the three main characters: Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wutton and Basil Hallaward.
Yes, Basil is one of the main character, by latent influence. And by far the most difficult layer, because we don't see his direct personality in the book. However, we can gauge him as an anti-Dorian, and that is how we know more about his nature than even Lord Henry, who is the supporting role. What makes Basil's personality less significant is the vagueness of the method of exposure of it. The interpretations and implications get murkier as the novel goes by.
I still stand by the fact that Basil Hallaward is relevant.
Other than that, for a book that revolves around characters, this has done its job too well. I've never seen more complexly written characters in years of reading. Lord Henry's influence on young Dorian is perceived in a very subtle manner, the implications far too catastrophic. Dorian Gray is not shown to have done tragic things explicitly, but underlying insinuations have broken their way through my mind and painted unimaginable horrors. The writing is a beauty if I ever saw one.
For someone not being able to understand the premise of a classic, I can see how this book is a tedious read. However, for those who are interested, it's just plain wonder, and an absolute debacle.
I feel like I will have to reread this book in couple months time, hopefully a paperback. I will have a more cohesive review then.
alyxmaee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
yseemeusnier's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
katiedru98's review against another edition
4.0
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is definitely a book you will never forget. Dorian Gray starts out a young, innocent boy that inherits fortune from his family, but quickly finds himself attached to corruption. His downfall was falling under the spell of the witty and charming Lord Henry. Dorian listens and practices Lord Henry's every thought, paradox, and false wisdom and begins to become as corrupt as the society around him.
Oscar Wilde did a fantastic job displaying the reality of our human nature in this novel. Our looks can't save us from who we are inside. The worse Dorian became, the more insane he got over his deteriorating portrait and his sins. We, today, allow ourselves to be heavily influenced by tv, social media, and music that we become completely different people. I always believe that whatever you have done wrong in your life, you will live to regret it.
Also, this book does not have a happy ending. A lot of readers will sit down and think, "Okay, I think my hero/heroine has learned their lesson. I can just make them good again and they will live happily ever after." Wilde made sure not to give Dorian the happy ending. He was so far into the world of pleasure and corruption that he could never get himself out. This is a story about a hero's downfall; not redemption.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It made me stop and think about what I have done wrong or need to fix in my life. I find it fascinating that in stories like this, the message will always remain relevant in today's society. *4 stars*
Oscar Wilde did a fantastic job displaying the reality of our human nature in this novel. Our looks can't save us from who we are inside. The worse Dorian became, the more insane he got over his deteriorating portrait and his sins. We, today, allow ourselves to be heavily influenced by tv, social media, and music that we become completely different people. I always believe that whatever you have done wrong in your life, you will live to regret it.
Also, this book does not have a happy ending. A lot of readers will sit down and think, "Okay, I think my hero/heroine has learned their lesson. I can just make them good again and they will live happily ever after." Wilde made sure not to give Dorian the happy ending. He was so far into the world of pleasure and corruption that he could never get himself out. This is a story about a hero's downfall; not redemption.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It made me stop and think about what I have done wrong or need to fix in my life. I find it fascinating that in stories like this, the message will always remain relevant in today's society. *4 stars*
xnesti's review against another edition
dark
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
gummiest_spoon's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
cherryblossom7098's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
4.75