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stefhyena's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
It's really well written except for Wilde's inability not to go into supposedly witty sermons of what I assume is supposed to be humour. A lot of casual sexism and racism...you can attribute it to unlikeable characters rather than Wilde's worldview I guess but I just get the feeling I wouldn't like him as a person.
The preface seemed like nothing but a clever word salad. That said the poor bloke did get arrested over this book I think. I am glad I read it because when Halberstram discusses it I like to know what is being talked about. The materialistic, shallow rich white gay stereotypes in the opening scenes probably if anything created that cultural trend.
Wilde's use of understatement is brilliant. I wish more authors would learn from that (I need to learn from that) and if the lesson here is supposed to be about hypocrisy that's quite relatable I think too. Dorian is very much created as the monster that he becomes, he does not actively choose to be it and at various turning points would have been redeemed if not for chance.
I don't like everything about it but there's mastery here.
The preface seemed like nothing but a clever word salad. That said the poor bloke did get arrested over this book I think. I am glad I read it because when Halberstram discusses it I like to know what is being talked about. The materialistic, shallow rich white gay stereotypes in the opening scenes probably if anything created that cultural trend.
Wilde's use of understatement is brilliant. I wish more authors would learn from that (I need to learn from that) and if the lesson here is supposed to be about hypocrisy that's quite relatable I think too. Dorian is very much created as the monster that he becomes, he does not actively choose to be it and at various turning points would have been redeemed if not for chance.
I don't like everything about it but there's mastery here.
namrata_jain's review against another edition
5.0
A lot of stark opinions and a great display of the power of beauty on humans and our perception of morals.
It's unnerving to watch power destroy something innocent and beautiful, which might have thrived in it's absence, or at least had a fair chance.
The witticism in the book and the great word play was a pleasure to read and somewhat made me realize my own dependency on prevalent social opinions in shaping mine. Absolute morals are unattainable - what's wrong for one is right for another - who's to draw the line?
It's unnerving to watch power destroy something innocent and beautiful, which might have thrived in it's absence, or at least had a fair chance.
The witticism in the book and the great word play was a pleasure to read and somewhat made me realize my own dependency on prevalent social opinions in shaping mine. Absolute morals are unattainable - what's wrong for one is right for another - who's to draw the line?
anaismt's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.25
normalpeople2005's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
i love the way that love and attraction and almost obsession is written about and the sorry and felling of self obsession and relationship with self worth are beautifully captured it felt like an art piece and not a novel i also love the idea of a writer writing a book about a painter who paints
i love the gothic feel and the dark moody vibes of an old classic paved the way for amazing gothic works
very very slow to get into and very very boring at parts took me ages to finish almost dnf
caseymenges's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
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
3.75
lil_2102's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have no words to describe this book…
I just finished reading this book, and i’m just contemplating about the piece of art that I’ve just experienced.
I am deprived of any words momentarily, I need to process everything.
probably comme back tomorrow if i have any chance of returning to my senses
I just finished reading this book, and i’m just contemplating about the piece of art that I’ve just experienced.
I am deprived of any words momentarily, I need to process everything.
probably comme back tomorrow if i have any chance of returning to my senses