A review by leebs
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.0

The Portrait of Dorian Gray

By Oscar Wilde

“The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”

4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There is no doubt that this book is a work of genius. Oscar Wilde writes beautifully and masterfully. He exposes the dark side of humanity with such skill that it causes the reader to feel absolute despair.

It definitely deserves 5 stars but I rated my own personal enjoyment. As with most classics it is slow going and there were times when the dialogue seemed endless and I struggled to want to pick it up again. Once it got going this was easier and I found the ending compelling and brilliant. 

“There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves, we feel that no one else has a right to blame us. It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution.”