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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I appreciate that the plot of this story was really innovative and impressive for the time of writing - I was surprised by a lot of the plot twists and some parts had me hooked, wanting to know what happened next - but it was quite a boring read overall.
It was really interesting to see a glimpse of upper-class Victorian society and to think that people were reading the same words as me back in the 1800s! I also appreciated the overarching message that conscience can never be escaped (despite Dorian's best efforts) and that everyone must pay the price for their sins in the end.
On the other hand, it was dull having to sit through long boring paragraphs about Harry's outlandish and conceited opinions on science or philosophy. And chapter 11, which is basically an inventory of all the artifacts Dorian collected throughout his life, almost put me to sleep.
I could not stand Henry Wotton. I found him completely selfish and cruel and I can't believe people continuously give him the time of day when he is constantly seeking attention by saying sexist or obnoxious things just for the joy of hearing his own voice. Plus, the way he becomes obsessed with "dominating" Dorian and turning him into another version of himself was strange and frustrating. For me, Harry embodies sin itself and acts like the devil sitting on Dorian's shoulder. He is incapable of understanding conscience and knows how to manipulate every situation to get what he wants.
In fact, I liked Gladys Monmouth because she was one of the only people that actually stood up to Harry and wasn't taken in by his ridiculous drivel.
I also liked Basil!! I think it was cruel how Harry and Dorian were so dismissive of him just because he wasn't extravagant like them. Poor Basil cared so much about Dorian and always saw the best in him, no matter what rumours he had heard. He always defended him and put Dorian's happiness before his own, only to end up being blamed for Dorian's downfall as if he had forced him to sin!
Overall, I would have enjoyed the book more if there were fewer chunks of text centred around Harry's opinions or unnecessary details. And if the main characters weren't so insufferable!
It was really interesting to see a glimpse of upper-class Victorian society and to think that people were reading the same words as me back in the 1800s! I also appreciated the overarching message that conscience can never be escaped (despite Dorian's best efforts) and that everyone must pay the price for their sins in the end.
On the other hand, it was dull having to sit through long boring paragraphs about Harry's outlandish and conceited opinions on science or philosophy. And chapter 11, which is basically an inventory of all the artifacts Dorian collected throughout his life, almost put me to sleep.
I could not stand Henry Wotton. I found him completely selfish and cruel and I can't believe people continuously give him the time of day when he is constantly seeking attention by saying sexist or obnoxious things just for the joy of hearing his own voice. Plus, the way he becomes obsessed with "dominating" Dorian and turning him into another version of himself was strange and frustrating. For me, Harry embodies sin itself and acts like the devil sitting on Dorian's shoulder. He is incapable of understanding conscience and knows how to manipulate every situation to get what he wants.
In fact, I liked Gladys Monmouth because she was one of the only people that actually stood up to Harry and wasn't taken in by his ridiculous drivel.
I also liked Basil!! I think it was cruel how Harry and Dorian were so dismissive of him just because he wasn't extravagant like them. Poor Basil cared so much about Dorian and always saw the best in him, no matter what rumours he had heard. He always defended him and put Dorian's happiness before his own, only to end up being blamed for Dorian's downfall as if he had forced him to sin!
Overall, I would have enjoyed the book more if there were fewer chunks of text centred around Harry's opinions or unnecessary details. And if the main characters weren't so insufferable!
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
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
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was okay. I just feel like I've read too many books like this before. Maybe it's the time period. I need something more contemporary. I can't find it though.
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes