Reviews

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

venla_reads's review against another edition

2.0

Why do so many classics have the most interesting premise and the most boring execution? I think the story itself is really intriguing, and I really wanted to like the book, but it just wasn't for me. It's all dialogue and zero action/plot, it focuses on unnecessary things and everything Harry says is so annoying and sexist that I wanted to throw the book across the room.
I appreciate the language and writing - there were many passages I would've highlighted, if I'd had my own copy of the book - but what I look for in a book is compelling characters and flowing storytelling, and this one had neither.

ketsy95's review against another edition

dark fast-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

 There's probably a lot to be said about society and how we ruin and corrupt everything and how maybe we can't see it reflected in us (specially considering how common place cosmetic procedures are now) but how we're definitely seeing it reflected in our environment (war, climate change, institutionalized poverty, etc).

Can't rate any higher though because some of the longer rants had me drifting off. Also I don't know Dorian, have a thought for yourself PLEASE. 

introspectres's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious 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

elizabacelar's review against another edition

5.0

What a masterpiece! Absolutely and perfectly pleasant, and I wasn't bored at all which is most certainly the dullest and worst form really of spending one's time, to use Wilde's words. This book is the ultimate and most superb hedonist portrait (pun intended) as well as an escapism novel by its own nature and as the reader's experience, that's for sure. It's so luscious, so vicious, so philosophical, and so thought-provoking in its concepts, it's absolutely dignified. And it is not only because of those traits but also because - even considering it's first published in 1890 - it traces direct parallels to our pleasure-driven society eager to have and live off of beauty in many ways. This is not to say beauty is unworthy, absolutely not at all as its purest concept is the exact opposite of it, but it is a reflection of how deep and far one can go led only by the shallowness that beauty may signify if taken and used and abused the wrong way, and how moral is truly the backbone of one's character and of it all. Can you tell I'm absolutely inspired by this delightful and yes, beautiful book? The ending is also absolutely intriguing, fantastic!

shanyafay's review against another edition

4.0

Dorian’s 2 friends are both in love with him but thats fine because Dorian is also in love with Dorian.

Not only do I want to read it again, I feel compelled to find and read the uncensored version!

allowvera's review against another edition

1.0

I'm starting to believe classics just aren't for me. While there was beauty in this book. It just couldn't hold my attention. It was so tame and predictable.

kellkie's review against another edition

dark emotional funny sad slow-paced

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

4.5

aida0506's review against another edition

dark reflective 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

juulisbad's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of my new favourites. How come I never stumbled over Oscar Wilde before? He has an overly beutiful writing style and points at a lot of things to think about. I especially enjoyed Lord Henry and every single thing that came out of his mouth. I will definetly read another Wilde book soon. Does anyone have recommendations?

begumaksoy's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0