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A review by okragarden
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It's a classic for a reason. Despite a few flaws, it's a page turner that sticks with you.
My main criticism is that the dialogue is frequently rambling and repetitive. A character doesn't have to make the same point 15 times. Another is that some supporting characters are not well-written and their interactions with others and reactions to events come off as uncomfortably odd and unnatural.
Given that this book was written in the 1800s by a man who was not interested in women and contains characters meant to be "wicked", it's not surprising there is a lot of negativity towards women. It does start to get annoying after a point.
Lastly, it's a much too easy to figure out where each plot point will go. The story is engaging enough that it doesn't take away from the enjoyment, though.
At just 250 pages it's well worth the time it takes to read.
My main criticism is that the dialogue is frequently rambling and repetitive. A character doesn't have to make the same point 15 times. Another is that some supporting characters are not well-written and their interactions with others and reactions to events come off as uncomfortably odd and unnatural.
Given that this book was written in the 1800s by a man who was not interested in women and contains characters meant to be "wicked", it's not surprising there is a lot of negativity towards women. It does start to get annoying after a point.
Lastly, it's a much too easy to figure out where each plot point will go. The story is engaging enough that it doesn't take away from the enjoyment, though.
At just 250 pages it's well worth the time it takes to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Classism