Reviews

So...I've seen the movies and the character of Dorian Gray in other movies/books/TV Shows (most notably, Penny Dreadful...excellent show btw), but never read the book. My husband had an old copy and I decided this would be perfect for my October read.

I'm so glad I read this book finally. I can see why it was controversial back in the late 1800s considering it attacks all the wealthy people and the elite. All the characters were pretty horrible people, with the exception of a few. I actually hated Lord Henry the most and felt like he was the weasel person to always take the other side for arguments sake (I do that too, but not on his level) and to manipulate people and conversations. He's the person that will create the battle just to create it and cause a path of destruction that he will always get a pass on. I mean Dorian and Lord Henry were doing bad and weird things together, but only Dorian's reputation was hit. Lord Henry reminded me of Littlefinger and I hoped he would get his due in the end, but alas, evil always wins.

Anyways. The story flowed well and I enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.

the_ash37's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

tristanshine's review against another edition

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challenging dark inspiring 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

5.0

shadowdances's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-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

5.0

a_love_experiment's review against another edition

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4.0

That was interesting. Like really interesting. I understand why this is such a popular classic. Its quite refreshing for me perso to read about such a morally corrupt character and for once not absolutely hate his guts. I am not saying that dorian gray is a likeable character. There is no likeable character in this book to be honest. Not even basil. Lord henry is the one i liked the most, not because of his character but because he had the best one liners mdrrr. The book wouldnt stand without him. I dont agree with his morals but he sure has his way around words (which is the point ig). Hes sooo problematic but i don’t think he means every thing he says. Not because hes good, but because he values the pertinence and value of entertainment in his speech more than actual values. I think thats why he likes paradoxes so much.

As for dorian gray, i lowkey get him. Its veery easy to fall into temptation as long as u believe that you can erase every sin u have committed out of ur memory and conscience.

I am always a sucker for a good philosophy discussion, and this book had so manyy, mainly abt art and beauty, morals and life.

I would definitely recommend this cuz its quite a good read, and lowkey fun to see how everything spins out at the end.

Last but not least, i am definitely due a reread because no matter how much i liked this, i know i would probably love it even more if i took the time to analyze it correctly and try to understand it on a deeper level.
And in any case, its obviously a timeless piece of art.

sehajbajaj's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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