The Picture of Dorian Gray

You know it's a good book when you finish it and think "oof." I think Oscar Wilde invented angst with this one!

My husband was certain I would not only fall in love with Oscar Wilde, but also with this book in particular. He was right. I may read a lot of cozy books, but I love a good gothic novel. I am excited to read more of Wilde, and more gothic horror, in the future!

Chances are, you read the Picture of Dorian Gray in school sometime, but if you haven't, or if you've only read the spark-notes version, let me provide a concise and spoiler-free review of Oscar Wilde's best known novel.

1. While technically this is a horror story, it is neither gory nor psychological. There are elements of the supernatural, but nothing like you would expect from a modern horror story (hence why I can read it!). The twist(s) happen both very early as well as very late into the book. The middle simply categorizes the agonizing loss of humanity by the titular character.
   

2. Much of the story is fairly predictable, except when it is not. Without spoiling anything, you can expect to see the big picture of the story readily enough, but the nuances will hit you like a punch in the gut. You will easily guess all that the picture entails; you will hope for Dorian's redemption and just when you think you can taste it, you will find the book takes a totally new turn. And I do not exaggerate that the ending was utterly perfect.
   

3. You will chew on this book for awhile after reading it. This story elicits a lot of philosophical and sociological thoughts and conversations, which I do not have the time to get into in this review. While short, it is very dense and leaves you thinking for many days afterward. That being said, it does not lack for action and movement, though it is primarily dialogue.
   

4. My only complaint is a decently long chapter in the middle that attempts to sketch Dorian's fall from grace, but unfortunately, is a dreadfully boring list of all his many vain hobbies.

If you have already read The Picture of Dorian Gray, I want to know what you make of it! If you have not read The Picture of Dorian Gray, I highly recommend it. It may be Springtime, but this would make a perfect spooky-season/Autumn read. So add it to your list!