Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde
Type: Fiction
Page Count/Review Word Count: 256
Rating: 9/10
Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray
This book is Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, his classic novel about a young man who wants to remain young forever, and who sells his soul for that to happen. His youthful looks remain, but a painting of him grows older and more grotesque as it reflects his hedonistic lifestyle. That’s all I’m going to tell you about the plot, because this is one of those books that everybody should read, and so I think you should go and read it and enjoy the plot for yourself.
Why? Well, Wilde’s writing is at its best here, and the story is also unique – I’ve never read anything quite like it, except for some of the parodies that are out there. Part of what makes this so fascinating is the fact that it was Wilde who wrote this – it’s such a perfect reflection of his personality, and one wonders whether Wilde would have made a similar bargain for his soul. One doesn’t wonder it for long.
Overall, then, I’m a big fan of The Picture of Dorian Gray, and whilst I haven’t re-read it since the first time, I wouldn’t rule it out, and I’ve listened to some audio books and seen some movie adaptations. It’s probably the best place to start if you’re new to Oscar Wilde’s work, in my opinion – that is, unless you’d prefer to start with a play. Go read it!
Oscar Wilde
Click here to buy The Picture of Dorian Gray.
