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A review by laurenzokro
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Although it took me some time to finish this book (due primarily to 1. losing the book and 2. getting caught up in schoolwork) it does not by any means that I didn't enjoy this book or find it captivating - in fact, the exact opposite. Given the number of obstacles I had in trying to finish it, I thought (like frankly many other books I've put down without finishing in the past) that I would lose interest in it - but everything about this book pulled me right back in, and made me more than willing to go back and re-read what I needed to catch up on.
What I enjoyed most about this book was that it truly felt like you were sitting in a elaborately-decorated parlour room, intently listening in on and participating in 19th century conversations that were rich in pompous yet colourful dialogue. I really appreciate how its dialogue and tone so directly matched the novel's central themes, yet wasn't too on the nose - and felt it was much easier as a result to get engrossed in the story.
While I tend to prefer stories that have an extensive cast, the three central characters have such extensive depth and complexity to them that you're able to really spend time dissecting their intentions and behaviours - without ever really being able to get all the answers about why they are the way they are. While the level of philosophical insight could be at times something to work through, it's nevertheless a topic that I feel is prevalent enough (perhaps in some ways, even more so in this day and age than it was at the time) that you're willing to spend time mulling it over. Wilde's artful storytelling and crafting of rhetoric makes it all the more captivating, and I honestly couldn't have enjoyed this anymore than I did.
What I enjoyed most about this book was that it truly felt like you were sitting in a elaborately-decorated parlour room, intently listening in on and participating in 19th century conversations that were rich in pompous yet colourful dialogue. I really appreciate how its dialogue and tone so directly matched the novel's central themes, yet wasn't too on the nose - and felt it was much easier as a result to get engrossed in the story.
While I tend to prefer stories that have an extensive cast, the three central characters have such extensive depth and complexity to them that you're able to really spend time dissecting their intentions and behaviours - without ever really being able to get all the answers about why they are the way they are. While the level of philosophical insight could be at times something to work through, it's nevertheless a topic that I feel is prevalent enough (perhaps in some ways, even more so in this day and age than it was at the time) that you're willing to spend time mulling it over. Wilde's artful storytelling and crafting of rhetoric makes it all the more captivating, and I honestly couldn't have enjoyed this anymore than I did.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Suicide