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readwith_elle's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-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
4.0
I really enjoyed this book....
Let me first say that, I could not stand Lord Henry, since the beginning he wormed his way into Dorian's life and influence him. In my opinion he was a jealous old miserable fart who wanted everyone else around him to be miserable.
On a side note, this book gave off some queer vibes. Very interesting given this was written in the late 1800's in London. I see why this book was controversial at the time.
The racial and misogynistic comments throughout this book had my head spinning. But again this was written in the late 1800's.
Here are three things I learned from this book:
1. The Company You Keep Shapes Who You Become:
( Birds of a feather, flock together).
Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you in positive ways. Lord Henry is a reminder to be wary of those who encourage you to abandon your principles for fleeting pleasures or superficial ideals.
2. Chasing Vanity and Perfection Has a Cost:
Beauty fades, but character remains. Focusing only on external perfection often leads us to ignore the parts of ourselves that matter most. Invest in inner growth, not just outer appearances.
3. Ignoring Consequences Doesn't Make Them Disappear:
Choices have consequences. Ignoring or running from them doesn’t erase them; they may show up in unexpected ways. Taking accountability early can prevent the deeper damage of unresolved guilt or regret.
Oscar Wilde’s story still resonates because it shows that living without reflection, indulging in vanity, and following toxic influences can have haunting effects—whether in Wilde’s time or our own.
Let me first say that, I could not stand Lord Henry, since the beginning he wormed his way into Dorian's life and influence him. In my opinion he was a jealous old miserable fart who wanted everyone else around him to be miserable.
On a side note, this book gave off some queer vibes. Very interesting given this was written in the late 1800's in London. I see why this book was controversial at the time.
The racial and misogynistic comments throughout this book had my head spinning. But again this was written in the late 1800's.
Here are three things I learned from this book:
1. The Company You Keep Shapes Who You Become:
( Birds of a feather, flock together).
Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you in positive ways. Lord Henry is a reminder to be wary of those who encourage you to abandon your principles for fleeting pleasures or superficial ideals.
2. Chasing Vanity and Perfection Has a Cost:
Beauty fades, but character remains. Focusing only on external perfection often leads us to ignore the parts of ourselves that matter most. Invest in inner growth, not just outer appearances.
3. Ignoring Consequences Doesn't Make Them Disappear:
Choices have consequences. Ignoring or running from them doesn’t erase them; they may show up in unexpected ways. Taking accountability early can prevent the deeper damage of unresolved guilt or regret.
Oscar Wilde’s story still resonates because it shows that living without reflection, indulging in vanity, and following toxic influences can have haunting effects—whether in Wilde’s time or our own.
cinnamoni's review against another edition
4.0
the folly of yet another rich white man whose only consequence is himself
mzjuli3's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit I didn't care for the beginning of the book, but I needed to know what was to become of the main character.
chrissych's review against another edition
4.0
Chilling and morally affective. An excellent short story by a brilliant man.
fulminataxii's review against another edition
4.0
Normally I find stories about terrible people to be uninteresting, but I found this classic of gothic horror to be an entertaining read mainly due simply to the word crafting of Wilde.
Note: this is not the edition I read. With nearly 14,000 editions of this work in the database, I'm not going to attempt to find the correct one, especially since I'm not sure it's even listed. For the record, I read the Monochrome Books edition of 2023 featuring white text on black paper, and for which the publisher did not see fit to procure an isbn number.
Note: this is not the edition I read. With nearly 14,000 editions of this work in the database, I'm not going to attempt to find the correct one, especially since I'm not sure it's even listed. For the record, I read the Monochrome Books edition of 2023 featuring white text on black paper, and for which the publisher did not see fit to procure an isbn number.
kryptonchild's review against another edition
3.0
I hope Wilde never knew anyone like Lord Henry in real life. What a horrific person. I’m glad I didn’t read this when I was younger, I might’ve gotten the wrong message.
Beautifully written, I see why it’s a classic.
Beautifully written, I see why it’s a classic.
sleeping_raccoon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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
5.0
jsullivanr's review against another edition
4.0
I'm docking a star because the dialogue in this book can be brutal. There are long paragraphs of philosophical conversation that take up pages. But otherwise the story is good. The homoeroticism aspect is super interesting and would even be funny until I remember what happened the Oscar Wilde and then it just gets really sad.