katewhite77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
A queer classic
I can't remember a book that has surprised me so much with all its twists and turns. Elements of the super natural also appear.
This is my first time reading Wilde and it won't be last. There are so many famous quotes in this novel alone.
There are some racial slurs which are of their time. The internalised hemophobia drips off most pages but that is why it is such an important book to read now.
I can't remember a book that has surprised me so much with all its twists and turns. Elements of the super natural also appear.
This is my first time reading Wilde and it won't be last. There are so many famous quotes in this novel alone.
There are some racial slurs which are of their time. The internalised hemophobia drips off most pages but that is why it is such an important book to read now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Murder
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Blood, Body horror, and Suicide
book_slay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Murder, and Sexism
warlockdorian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Antisemitism, Classism, Cultural appropriation, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Sexism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
mrmarshall591's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Suicide
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, and Toxic friendship
stevietaylor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Homophobia
reverie_and_books's review against another edition
dark
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oscar Wildes »The Picture of Dorian Gray« caused quite a stir in its uncensored edition in the 1890s: Britain was on a mission of “morale” to expose gay men. Wildes case, some argue, didn’t exactly help, largely because he didn’t back down in time and put others in danger. Wilde had already made a name for himself, so they made an example out of his case. He was sentenced to two years of hard labour. The prosecutors used quotes from this uncensored text, since they were alluding to s*xual inversion (another term of that time).
If you've read the censored novel, you'll notice that this edition is missing some storylines and entire chapters. More importantly, Basils adoration for Dorian is way more tangible:
»I quite admit that I adored you madly, extravagantly, absurdly. […] There was love in every line, and in every touch there was passion.«
Dorian Gray was one of the firsts English classics I’ve read and it still is a favorite. Reading it a second time, albeit in a different edition, I enjoyed it even more. It’s been sitting on my shelf for quite a while. The newly published historical fiction »The New Life« finally made me pick it up - my review will follow soon.
Also, Nicholas Frankel wrote a thorough and interesting introduction. I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone who enjoyed the better known version or is interested in lgbtq+ history of Britain.
If you've read the censored novel, you'll notice that this edition is missing some storylines and entire chapters. More importantly, Basils adoration for Dorian is way more tangible:
»I quite admit that I adored you madly, extravagantly, absurdly. […] There was love in every line, and in every touch there was passion.«
Dorian Gray was one of the firsts English classics I’ve read and it still is a favorite. Reading it a second time, albeit in a different edition, I enjoyed it even more. It’s been sitting on my shelf for quite a while. The newly published historical fiction »The New Life« finally made me pick it up - my review will follow soon.
Also, Nicholas Frankel wrote a thorough and interesting introduction. I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone who enjoyed the better known version or is interested in lgbtq+ history of Britain.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Murder, and Misogyny
Minor: Drug abuse and Antisemitism
ellelockley's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.0
Oscar Wilde's only novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his sould for eternal youth and beauty. This book makes you reflect on literally everything that has happened in your life. At the start, you're a blank slate, and at the end you've completely changed your outlook on life. It was so very interesting to read, and for a classic it wasn't absurdly long. The only reason it's a four is because I think it was way too focused on very minor things some of the time. I did really enjoy it and would recommend it to everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Death, Alcohol, Classism, Infidelity, and Misogyny
autumnk3lly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia and Toxic friendship
christinewonder's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
5.0
It opened my eyes to the concept that we would rather believe “beautiful” people than any other person. Also, it is still relevant if one looks at social media. A masterpiece and a must-read for everybody.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Abandonment, Suicide, Gaslighting, and Death
Moderate: Homophobia
gentleprocrastination's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Mental illness, Classism, Death, Murder, Body horror, and Homophobia
Moderate: Addiction, Blood, Antisemitism, and Suicide
Minor: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Stalking