Reviews

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

jolitaval's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

dyno8426's review against another edition

5.0

Realizing a beauty in evil is something only which the genius of Oscar Wilde and his likes can achieve. Through the story of a young, aristocrat, Dorian Gray, who is "possessed" by an imperishable youthfulness and beauty, Oscar Wilde has presented his philosophies through a plotted story which is really enjoyable. The acquisition of this power costs him *something very precious* and turns his romantic life into a tragedy. Through another supporting character, the author voices his ideas not only to the readers, but also moulds Dorian Gray. Basing his ideas on the importance of pleasures over morals, senses over intellect, we see the corruption of the once pure, innocent and conscientious protagonist, due to a secret which transforms him into an antagonist. It is an amazing classic, which gives the reader a unique experience and perspective towards human nature and our societies.

"... a masterpiece of the evil in men's hearts, and is as controversial and alluring as Wilde himself..."

noahczernylover's review against another edition

4.0

oh god where to start. i can definitely say that the book was a lot better than the film. i felt the film more homoerotic, and more focusing on dorian’s sins rather than dorian’s madness. the book talks of beauty and we see a lot of concepts from harry. i think the homoeroticism is definitely still present in the book with the relationship of basil and dorian, and perhaps dorian and alan. basil worshipped him until his death. harry is a more complex character. when i say complex i mean he gets on my fucking nerves. team basil !!!!! the book is absolutely eerie and amazing to read as you sort of fall into this madness WITH dorian. you see how he is changed by harry’s ideas, and how harry and basil are contrasted like angel and devil. basil pulls him to the surface whereas harry drowns him. eventually, dorian becomes overcome by the guilt of the murder, i suppose, among other things. he realises that eternal beauty and the boyishness of youth isn’t something that he needed, anymore. this book focuses on vanity and how some, like dorian, take it for granted. it shows how one would do anything to stay looking youthful.

yamiita's review against another edition

4.0

lo había leído muchos años atrás, y no puedo creer cómo cambió todo. los mensajes que me dejó son completamente diferentes a los que entendí en mi infancia. de más chica me concentré en los hechos, ahora me enamoré de su filosofía.

faithtrustpixiedust's review against another edition

3.0

Actual rating: 3.5

I have to admit, I was this close

agrinczel's review against another edition

3.0

The story & premise were interesting but the book writing kind of dragged.

annan1ch's review against another edition

dark sad tense 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

5.0

jessielinden1's review against another edition

3.0

A hard one to get through, probably because it’s so dark. The prose is remarkable but I found the pacing and dialogue to be tedious. The dialogue often felt like a play but without inflection and physicality, in addition to any other story telling visuals, I struggled to follow any non-plot dialogue. The high drama moments were totally riveting, and the prose was stunning. I wonder what Wilde would make of our society’s obsession with youth and celebrity nowadays.

tiffinir's review against another edition

5.0

SUCH A GOOD BOOK TO READ FOR OCTOBER IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SPOOKY BUT NOT DIRECT HALLOWEEN THEMES (also great book club option for page count:)

katep1993's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0