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cynthia21's review against another edition
4.0
Lord Henry is fucking hilarious. I don’t blame Dorian at all for succumbing to Lord Henry’s bad influences. I would’ve folded too.
The dialogue is witty and beautifully crafted. Lord Henry is hypnotic in how he conveys his misogynistic, hedonistic, and selfish ideals. I underlined so many lines, and I was literally laughing out loud at some quotes.
I got lost during some parts and had to slow down, but I expected that with classic literature. Also disappointed the actual devil did not make an appearance. It was a metaphorical devil all along, bummer.
I wish we saw more of Dorian’s downfall and being a bad person. We’re told about it more than shown.
It’s crazy how relatable this is to modern day life. One part of the book talks about how Dorian reacts to a huge tragedy that happened to him. Lord Henry consoles him by literally telling him in modern day gen z terms “even though this was sad, it was for the plot”. Dorian then removes himself from the tragedy (literally disassociates) and finds artistic and romantic beauty in the tragedy because it resembles a Shakespearen play. I could not believe my eyes. He’s just like us.
If we all had a portrait to funnel all the consequences of our questionable actions, we’d all be like Dorian. Especially with modern day vices like drugs and alcohol, like let’s be honest.
The dialogue is witty and beautifully crafted. Lord Henry is hypnotic in how he conveys his misogynistic, hedonistic, and selfish ideals. I underlined so many lines, and I was literally laughing out loud at some quotes.
I got lost during some parts and had to slow down, but I expected that with classic literature. Also disappointed the actual devil did not make an appearance. It was a metaphorical devil all along, bummer.
I wish we saw more of Dorian’s downfall and being a bad person. We’re told about it more than shown.
It’s crazy how relatable this is to modern day life. One part of the book talks about how Dorian reacts to a huge tragedy that happened to him. Lord Henry consoles him by literally telling him in modern day gen z terms “even though this was sad, it was for the plot”. Dorian then removes himself from the tragedy (literally disassociates) and finds artistic and romantic beauty in the tragedy because it resembles a Shakespearen play. I could not believe my eyes. He’s just like us.
If we all had a portrait to funnel all the consequences of our questionable actions, we’d all be like Dorian. Especially with modern day vices like drugs and alcohol, like let’s be honest.
sleepy_0wl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
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
3.0
liekeparnassia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shonagreene's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
4.5
zara93's review against another edition
5.0
What a fascinating piece of art!!
The writing is just.. out of this world beautiful, and I absolutely loved the dark tone. Not only that, but this book makes you think about so many different things. I was extremely curious about these characters and I was invested within the story immediately.
I think so far, this might be my favourite classic!
The writing is just.. out of this world beautiful, and I absolutely loved the dark tone. Not only that, but this book makes you think about so many different things. I was extremely curious about these characters and I was invested within the story immediately.
I think so far, this might be my favourite classic!
letsea's review against another edition
4.0
I'd give this book 3 stars and a half. I really like the plot and the main theme —youth— and how it's treated and refer to throughout the story. However, when the reader is told how Dorian finds interest in art, tapestry, jewels and so on was too tedious for me, even if I understand how Dorian's interests emphasize these themes of youth and beauty which are related in the story. The end was somehow expected, although I did not expect it to end exactly like this (excuse my vagueness, I don't want to spoil anything). It was a really appropriate end.
pauline1512's review against another edition
dark
reflective
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