A review by literarysaara
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.5

The story follows a young Dorian Gray, who even for his youth is considered remarkably beautiful and good looking, and how his alarmingly captivating beauty coupled with the effect that it seems to have on those around him, serves him throughout his life and ultimately, in his downfall. From the very beginning we are introduced to two characters that will play major roles in Dorian's character development - Lord Henry and Basil Hallward. As the story progresses, the effect of these dear friends upon Dorian becomes increasingly apparent as his personality twists and changes to one that is very different from the Dorian we are introduced to in the beginning of the book. 

Oscar Wilde has a gift for description it seems, as he paints vivid and extensively detailed images within the reader's mind. Coupled with the immense length of certain characters' monologues, this can at times, make this book a dreary read. Indeed, it took until I'd gotten through almost half the story for the plot to start to pick up and become truly interesting. If you are the kind of person who enjoys reading long character monologues and rumenations, you will thoroughly this book.  However, if you're looking for an easy read that is quick to digest, look elsewhere for this book is not it.