The Picture of Dorian Gray

A novel that never gets old.

If you think you know what there is to know about Oscar Wilde from his plays, most notably "The Importance of Being Earnest," you may be in for a shock with this book. Dank and dark, this book tells the story of a socialite who sells his soul for immortality (and immorality) ... only to discover a portrait of him gets more decrepit and old with the passage of time. The book was used against Wilde at his indecency trial in 1895, which speaks to its power. Highly recommended, though definitely not for younger readers.

Absolutely lovely and beautifully written! I was not only impressed with the novel's prose, but also with how Wilde exquisitely weaves together all those details, symbols and allusions. The character archetype and journey may not be unfamiliar to most people, but it is how Wilde executed based on this plot that makes all the difference.

This was on my literary bucket list. Full of quotable lines and descriptions of humanity. Glad I read it but wouldn't recommend it.

A brilliant and fun read. Wilde is a genius and a master of words. Every phrase is witty, meaningful, and simply enjoyable to soak up. I want to see more of Wilde's works, such as his plays and short stories. This book also opens the door for lots of interesting conversations about identity, life, beauty, and ugliness.

This is my absolute favorite novel. I have never read a piece of literature filled with more snappy comedy, meaningful symbols, and heart wrenching drama. I love (or love to hate) every single character. I compare every other piece of literature I read to this novel. This is a MUST read!

The story is familiar. As the result of a rash prayer, a young dandy is cursed - physically he will never change, but his portrait will. Seduced willingly into a life of debauchery, outwardly he remains the beautiful young man, but his portrait becomes increasingly hideous, reflecting the degeneration of his soul.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is, at its heart, a fairy tale, a fable exploring the connection between goodness and beauty which Wilde, along with the rest of Victorian England, learned from Ruskin. The novel is far from perfect. The early romance between Gray and an actress never rises above melodramatic cliche. The cascade of witticisms that emerges from the mouths of Gray and Lord Henry now suffers from a combination of antiquity and familiarity. Yet although the central message - that all sin is a form of self-mutilation, however the sinner may have been self-anaesthetized - is at least as old as Plato, Wilde's dramatization is memorable enough to make the old truth young again.

I knew the story of Dorian Gray but I had never read it. I am so glad I did!

Wilde creates a world in which artifice and sensuality are superior to what is considered "natural" and "useful". I love the subversion, and enjoy his imagining of a world where queerness is superior.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: a book so famously criticized that it was nearly unbearable to carry it around in public at the time of its release. This philosophical novel follows the story of young Dorian Gray, a man who is terribly beautiful to Basil Hallward, his dear friend who is painting him. One day, as Dorian is being painted, Basil’s so-called friend arrives, Lord Henry Wotton. Although none of the three men know how Henry will change their lives, they soon will. Over the next some time, Henry starts to treat Dorian as his personal experiment and starts to corrupt his young, innocent mind. He tells Dorian of how he will grow old, and of how he will never be as beautiful again. Dorian, now obsessed with youth, declares how he wishes he could trade his soul for the youth of his finished portrait, so that he can stay forever young. In a supernatural turn of events, his wish comes true. As Henry Wotton continues to corrupt Dorian, his soul (which is in the painting) grows uglier and uglier, until it is almost unbearable to look at. Oscar Wilde portrays a man’s life story almost poetically, showing his soul’s journey from riches to rags. Rating: 5/5
- @thesoundofcolours of the Teen Review Board of the Hamilton Public Library

This is another classic for a reason. It is a beautiful study on vanity and hedonistic selfishness. The writing is flowery, yet snappy, and pleasant to hear in your mind, which makes the depressing despair that sets in as you read the book all the more savory. More than the very interesting premise, and extremely unique story, exploring subjects rarely covered in literature, Wilde’s writing is just a treat to enjoy. What this book means to Wilde makes the subjects it covers that much more inimitably rich and fascinating: this is a book that everyone must read at least once.
- @FalcoLombardi of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library