Scan barcode
blogthatbook's review against another edition
5.0
(Review addition)
I read this book around five months ago and it's still occupying a portion of my brain, reminding me of its existence with constant memories of varying delights from within those pages. And because of this, I felt compelled to elevate this book, obviously now one of my favourites, from a four-star rating to a five, despite chapter eleven. And deservingly place it on my 'All Time Favourites' shelf!
______________________________________
I definitely have a passion for this kind of classic prose. I find such delight in the guarded nature of the language's frankness. I love the way such blunt conversations can be carried out in such an inoffensive manner. Also, how such lingering writing can be so absorbing.
To date I have only read two true classics, this and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, both of which utterly swept me away by not being in a rush to tell their story, but instead felt free to meander through beautiful detail. I've found this quite refreshing compared to today's offerings which are in a constant rush to keep you on the edge of your seat and exhaust you with their onslaught of constant happenings.
But to the story itself. I actually found it to be quite a tragic tale of a man who is simply swept along, initially, by implanted notions not his own, and the chain effect of a path he was influenced towards. The story is fairly predictable but by no means is the enjoyment reduced by it, as the simple pleasure of the language and colourful characters do a fantastic job of holding your interest.
I found myself utterly absorbed and intrigued by the character of Harry. An utter scoundrel, completely comfortable in his questionable nature, beliefs and convictions. And the man I lay blame on for the inadvertent downfall of the impressionable young master Gray.
If I were forced to highlight any kind of downside to this book I would have to point a finger at chapter eleven as it jars quite abruptly. I understand what Wilde was doing here, passing the passage of time, but devoting an entire chapter to it, and specifying in some detail all the multiple interests and indulgences of Dorian Gray during the period, just seemed unnecessary and forced, self-indulgent even? But readers were very different back in 1890 and this kind of indulgence may have been all the rage at the time, so who am I to challenge the validity of such a chapter?
But overall, to my mind, this is a masterpiece of writing.
I read this book around five months ago and it's still occupying a portion of my brain, reminding me of its existence with constant memories of varying delights from within those pages. And because of this, I felt compelled to elevate this book, obviously now one of my favourites, from a four-star rating to a five, despite chapter eleven. And deservingly place it on my 'All Time Favourites' shelf!
______________________________________
I definitely have a passion for this kind of classic prose. I find such delight in the guarded nature of the language's frankness. I love the way such blunt conversations can be carried out in such an inoffensive manner. Also, how such lingering writing can be so absorbing.
To date I have only read two true classics, this and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, both of which utterly swept me away by not being in a rush to tell their story, but instead felt free to meander through beautiful detail. I've found this quite refreshing compared to today's offerings which are in a constant rush to keep you on the edge of your seat and exhaust you with their onslaught of constant happenings.
But to the story itself. I actually found it to be quite a tragic tale of a man who is simply swept along, initially, by implanted notions not his own, and the chain effect of a path he was influenced towards. The story is fairly predictable but by no means is the enjoyment reduced by it, as the simple pleasure of the language and colourful characters do a fantastic job of holding your interest.
I found myself utterly absorbed and intrigued by the character of Harry. An utter scoundrel, completely comfortable in his questionable nature, beliefs and convictions. And the man I lay blame on for the inadvertent downfall of the impressionable young master Gray.
If I were forced to highlight any kind of downside to this book I would have to point a finger at chapter eleven as it jars quite abruptly. I understand what Wilde was doing here, passing the passage of time, but devoting an entire chapter to it, and specifying in some detail all the multiple interests and indulgences of Dorian Gray during the period, just seemed unnecessary and forced, self-indulgent even? But readers were very different back in 1890 and this kind of indulgence may have been all the rage at the time, so who am I to challenge the validity of such a chapter?
But overall, to my mind, this is a masterpiece of writing.
juana136's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
annaworteltje's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.75
carrigan5's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.5
lulu_mizuno's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
therukat'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
3.5
It streched in parts that i felt like the book would never end and was wonderful in others
tumormozgowicz's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sophiederoode's review against another edition
4.25
I really liked this book; finally a classic that was fairly easy to get through. I liked the storyline, way of writing and the pace. There are definitely some controversial/outdated views on women’s worth, but for a book from 1891 I didn’t expect otherwise so I could read through it. The characters weren’t ‘lovable’ but it wasn’t disturbing while reading. Recommend and would read again!
samjoc's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
cassiejade62's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0