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A review by alomie
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
challenging
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
Read this one for my in-person Book Club, I found it to be a little tedious at times, and gosh isn't the language flowery, why say something in 10 words when you can say it in 50, am I right?
I understand that Dorian Gray is a book on our morals and the dangers of youth, and temptation, but I found it really took a long time getting there, and in parts I found this frustrating.
There was also a lot to say about Wilde's understanding of women, it was dated, and also obvious that Wilde preferred the company of men, and it really did feel like he was writing about someone whom he admired/loved greatly, but I grew tired of the descriptions of how beautiful or wonderful or equisite Dorian Gray was, and although that was the point, I found myself skimming over the long descriptions.
As a non French speaker, I was glad I read this on my kindle, as I could look up translations on the fly, I think this would have taken me much longer if I had read a physical copy.
Overall I liked the story, and I'm glad I can say I have read it, but it's not something I will go back to time & again, I may at some point watch a film adaptation of this.
I understand that Dorian Gray is a book on our morals and the dangers of youth, and temptation, but I found it really took a long time getting there, and in parts I found this frustrating.
There was also a lot to say about Wilde's understanding of women, it was dated, and also obvious that Wilde preferred the company of men, and it really did feel like he was writing about someone whom he admired/loved greatly, but I grew tired of the descriptions of how beautiful or wonderful or equisite Dorian Gray was, and although that was the point, I found myself skimming over the long descriptions.
As a non French speaker, I was glad I read this on my kindle, as I could look up translations on the fly, I think this would have taken me much longer if I had read a physical copy.
Overall I liked the story, and I'm glad I can say I have read it, but it's not something I will go back to time & again, I may at some point watch a film adaptation of this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Sexual content