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alldebstinations's review against another edition
dark
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Antisemitism, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Antisemitism, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
booksjessreads's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the way Wilde played with the ideas of aesthetics over ethics, the power of influence (by both the characters and the temptation of sin) and of the imitation of life in art. I loved how Basil was an angel sat on one of Dorians shoulders, and Lord Henry was the Devil sat on the other, and I enjoyed the interplay of all the characters.
I also enjoyed the dark theme of the novel. Very often, books I have read have a 'picture-perfect' view of life or have a happy ending and it was stimulating to follow a character who's life ended up being so entrenched in corruption and vanity, whilst having an ungovernable compulsion to engage with sin in order to provoke some kind of feeling or experience.
I admit that the novel was slightly flowery in places but this didn't put me off in any way and I think the florid prose actually suited the plot and the temperament of the characters.
For my first classic, I think I picked a good one! I am yet to read some more reviews and analysis of the book but from what I've read of them so far, it's helped me understand some things better! I am definitely going to give this a re-read to see how my perspective and understanding of the book changes a second time round!
I also enjoyed the dark theme of the novel. Very often, books I have read have a 'picture-perfect' view of life or have a happy ending and it was stimulating to follow a character who's life ended up being so entrenched in corruption and vanity, whilst having an ungovernable compulsion to engage with sin in order to provoke some kind of feeling or experience.
I admit that the novel was slightly flowery in places but this didn't put me off in any way and I think the florid prose actually suited the plot and the temperament of the characters.
For my first classic, I think I picked a good one! I am yet to read some more reviews and analysis of the book but from what I've read of them so far, it's helped me understand some things better! I am definitely going to give this a re-read to see how my perspective and understanding of the book changes a second time round!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Antisemitism