grapebubblegum's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
From the start I really loved this book. Wilde’s way of describing things with his poetical flow was beautiful. It was intriguing ever since Basil described his infatuation with a gorgeous man named Dorian Gray. Lord Henry was quite an interesting character, despite his evil and hedonistic dialogues.
There were few flaws that I disliked in this book: some of the conversations during tea parties or lunches were boringly long, and the whole chapter of Dorian developing multiple hobbies over a time lapse of a few years was hard for me to get through—I just found it uninteresting and wanted to get back to the main plot. I also wanted more insight of the beginning of Dorian’s corruption.
But overall the story was so mysterious and quite a few chapters kept me on the edge of my chair with my eyes widening of interest and tension.
BASIL DESERVED BETTER!! AND SO DID SYBIL VANE!!!
I like to believe that Dorian was more than just a muse to Basil. After Basil’s confession of complete adoration of the man, page 113 ends with “There seemed to be something tragic in a friendship so colored by romance.” If that isn’t hinting enough, I don’t know what is.
The ending of the book was a little anticlimactic, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Will definitely reread again 👍🏻👍🏻
Movie review: I just watched the 2009 movie and omg??? Certainly worth a watch if you enjoyed the book. Some things happen differently, but does not stray from the original story too much. Some of the scenes were very um graphic lol so that added much flavor to the story as well, just dont be in the room with your family. I love the added details that gave more backstory to Dorian’s father.
There were few flaws that I disliked in this book: some of the conversations during tea parties or lunches were boringly long, and the whole chapter of Dorian developing multiple hobbies over a time lapse of a few years was hard for me to get through—I just found it uninteresting and wanted to get back to the main plot. I also wanted more insight of the beginning of Dorian’s corruption.
But overall the story was so mysterious and quite a few chapters kept me on the edge of my chair with my eyes widening of interest and tension.
Spoiler
I SO wanted the end of the book to be James murdering Dorian a dramatic and vengeful death, and got so excited when he finally found Dorian and almost killed him. But I found it even more unfortunately fascinating that James was fooled by his youth, and that Dorian got away with it all. I was upset when James died the way he did, though.BASIL DESERVED BETTER!! AND SO DID SYBIL VANE!!!
I like to believe that Dorian was more than just a muse to Basil. After Basil’s confession of complete adoration of the man, page 113 ends with “There seemed to be something tragic in a friendship so colored by romance.” If that isn’t hinting enough, I don’t know what is.
The ending of the book was a little anticlimactic, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Will definitely reread again 👍🏻👍🏻
Movie review: I just watched the 2009 movie and omg??? Certainly worth a watch if you enjoyed the book. Some things happen differently, but does not stray from the original story too much. Some of the scenes were very um graphic lol so that added much flavor to the story as well, just dont be in the room with your family. I love the added details that gave more backstory to Dorian’s father.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Classism, and Sexism
Minor: Injury/injury detail
Has a LOT of lokey crisis-inducing philosophical dialogues lolsarahna's review against another edition
dark
medium-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Misogyny, Suicide, Body horror, Injury/injury detail, Murder, Classism, Fatphobia, Addiction, Antisemitism, Body shaming, and Toxic friendship
_stephbroom_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Injury/injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Antisemitism
montyalmoro's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Injury/injury detail
byrdteeth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
"...That a burnt child loves the fire"
"I am not even singed. My wings are untouched."
"You use them for everything except flight."
- Personal Review
- 'Dorian Gray is a mediocre story, I really don't get the hype. Yeah, I was surprised Basil was killed by Dorian, but the rest was just 'OK'. I definitely see the LGBTQ overtones but that's what makes it uncomfortable. Wilde doesn't really glorify either of them yet it's still awkward especially considering Henry was Dorian and was shocked when Dorian became deranged; like what did you expect? Also the
Spoiler
grooming? I thought at first it was in Dorian's POV, but it was continuous and expansive. I couldn't find concrete evidence Wilde wasSpoiler
antisemitismbut considering its popularity of the time it adds another uncomfortable layer to the mix.'Spoiler
anti-Semitic
- 'Dorian Gray is a mediocre story, I really don't get the hype. Yeah, I was surprised Basil was killed by Dorian, but the rest was just 'OK'. I definitely see the LGBTQ overtones but that's what makes it uncomfortable. Wilde doesn't really glorify either of them yet it's still awkward especially considering Henry was
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Antisemitism, Blood, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Classism, Injury/injury detail, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Alcoholism and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Addiction and Suicidal thoughts
pershie13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
5.0
Wow. This. Was. Phenomenal. The writing and pacing were good, the story was gripping, and I was wondering how this book was going to end literally until the last sentence. This is my favorite classic I've read so far and easily deserves five stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Death, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, and Murder
Moderate: Grief, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Animal death
dilara2912w's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Blood, Drug use, Addiction, Murder, Classism, Death, Drug abuse, and Injury/injury detail
_saphyr_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Hate crime, Injury/injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Classism, Gaslighting, Gore, and Gun violence
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Abandonment
liz_e's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Antisemitism and Sexism
mickymouse_007's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
so... this was certainly quite a read. thats all that i can say
okay maybe not. I have a lot to say but i just dont know how to say it.
I hated Dorian Gray from the middle of the book to the last page with my everything and that's something i am proud of. However, i still pitied him. It must be horrid to see your soul but thats definitely no excuse for his behavour. like how do you excuse murder?
on that point, i did not see basil's murder or the end coming up. so glad no one ruined for me.
chapter 11 was lengthy but beautifully written. the book is a work of art.
I don't know how i feel about lord henry. i dont hate him.. i just dont like him i guess
loved the book. definitely recommend it (especially you are a highschool english student because there is so many beautiful phrases you can take inspiration from)
okay maybe not. I have a lot to say but i just dont know how to say it.
Spoiler
I hated Dorian Gray from the middle of the book to the last page with my everything and that's something i am proud of. However, i still pitied him. It must be horrid to see your soul but thats definitely no excuse for his behavour. like how do you excuse murder?
on that point, i did not see basil's murder or the end coming up. so glad no one ruined for me.
chapter 11 was lengthy but beautifully written. the book is a work of art.
I don't know how i feel about lord henry. i dont hate him.. i just dont like him i guess
loved the book. definitely recommend it (especially you are a highschool english student because there is so many beautiful phrases you can take inspiration from)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Misogyny, Sexism, and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Injury/injury detail, and Gore