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August 27, 2014
I loved this book! Oscar Wilde's flowing, eloquent, highly-civilized writing style and his exquisite word choices kept me mesmerized. I particularly enjoyed the fascinating views on life that were doled out by Lord Henry Wotton, who is Dorian Gray's best friend, main influence and probably, Gray's worst source of corruption. I didn't necessarily always agree with all that Lord Henry said about life, business, the nature of men and women, etc; but I found his rants to be intriguing, sometimes funny and always thought provoking. Mr. Wilde's writing is thick and rich so the story is simply stuffed with philosophy and commentary on all manner of things. In fact, I now feel I must read it all again someday in order to soak, once more, in his pages.
This book is for mature readers, probably in high school or it might even be best for adults. There are a couple of murders, nothing too graphic though. It's mainly these complex thoughts on life which are discussed between Dorian Gray, Lord Henry and the other aristocrats in the story which could potentially be overwhelming and confusing. I'd say that parents would definitely want to read it with their kids so they can discuss everything together in order to better experience Mr. Wilde's exquisite talents.
This is a true classic novel so, appropriately, I read it on the Kindle app on my iPad, probably having paid .99 cents for it. For the price, it might be the best novel I’ve ever encountered!
To further showcase Mr. Oscar Wilde’s amazing author abilities, here are some quotes from the book which struck me so strongly I had to highlight them. Keep in mind that “The Picture of Dorian Gray” was written in 1891 so read these remarks in the context of those times. However, so many of his words ring true today....
“Never trust a woman who wears mauve, whatever her age may be, or a woman over thirty-five who is fond of pink ribbons. It always means that they have a history.” (Lord Henry)
“Society, civilized society at least, is never very ready to believe anything to the detriment of those who are both rich and fascinating. It feels instinctively that manners are of more importance than morals, and, in its opinion, the highest respectability is of much less value than the possession of a good chef.” (Mr. Wilde’s text)
“Perhaps one never seems so much at one’s ease as when one has to play a part.” (Mr. Wilde’s text)
And the most important quote I highlighted, was this one, I think. If you enjoy this complex, run-on sentence and you chuckle at the truths Mr. Wilde reveals, then you will undoubtedly LOVE this book:
“Dorian murmured a graceful compliment, and looked round the room. Yes, it was certainly a tedious party. Two of the people he had never seen before, and the others consisted of Ernest Harrowden, one of those middle-aged mediocrities so common in London clubs who have no enemies, but are thoroughly disliked by their friends; Lady Roxton, an overdressed woman of forty-seven, with a hooked nose, who was always trying to get herself compromised, but was so peculiarly plain that to her great disappointment no one would ever believe anything against her; Mrs. Erlynne, a pushing nobody, with a delightful lisp, and Venetian-red hair; Alice Chapman, his hostess’s daughter, a dowdy dull girl, with one of those characteristic British faces that, once seen, are never remembered; and her husband, a red-cheeked, white-whiskered creature who, like so many of his class, was under the impression that inordinate joviality can atone for an entire lack of ideas.” (Mr. Wilde’s Text)
I must give you one more, that might, possibly, more or less, sum up this challenging, dark, unexpected, and remarkably beautiful book:
“To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable.” (Lord Henry)
Happy Reading!
My goodness, here it is on Amazon, FOR FREE! GET IT NOW!!
This book is for mature readers, probably in high school or it might even be best for adults. There are a couple of murders, nothing too graphic though. It's mainly these complex thoughts on life which are discussed between Dorian Gray, Lord Henry and the other aristocrats in the story which could potentially be overwhelming and confusing. I'd say that parents would definitely want to read it with their kids so they can discuss everything together in order to better experience Mr. Wilde's exquisite talents.
This is a true classic novel so, appropriately, I read it on the Kindle app on my iPad, probably having paid .99 cents for it. For the price, it might be the best novel I’ve ever encountered!
To further showcase Mr. Oscar Wilde’s amazing author abilities, here are some quotes from the book which struck me so strongly I had to highlight them. Keep in mind that “The Picture of Dorian Gray” was written in 1891 so read these remarks in the context of those times. However, so many of his words ring true today....
“Never trust a woman who wears mauve, whatever her age may be, or a woman over thirty-five who is fond of pink ribbons. It always means that they have a history.” (Lord Henry)
“Society, civilized society at least, is never very ready to believe anything to the detriment of those who are both rich and fascinating. It feels instinctively that manners are of more importance than morals, and, in its opinion, the highest respectability is of much less value than the possession of a good chef.” (Mr. Wilde’s text)
“Perhaps one never seems so much at one’s ease as when one has to play a part.” (Mr. Wilde’s text)
And the most important quote I highlighted, was this one, I think. If you enjoy this complex, run-on sentence and you chuckle at the truths Mr. Wilde reveals, then you will undoubtedly LOVE this book:
“Dorian murmured a graceful compliment, and looked round the room. Yes, it was certainly a tedious party. Two of the people he had never seen before, and the others consisted of Ernest Harrowden, one of those middle-aged mediocrities so common in London clubs who have no enemies, but are thoroughly disliked by their friends; Lady Roxton, an overdressed woman of forty-seven, with a hooked nose, who was always trying to get herself compromised, but was so peculiarly plain that to her great disappointment no one would ever believe anything against her; Mrs. Erlynne, a pushing nobody, with a delightful lisp, and Venetian-red hair; Alice Chapman, his hostess’s daughter, a dowdy dull girl, with one of those characteristic British faces that, once seen, are never remembered; and her husband, a red-cheeked, white-whiskered creature who, like so many of his class, was under the impression that inordinate joviality can atone for an entire lack of ideas.” (Mr. Wilde’s Text)
I must give you one more, that might, possibly, more or less, sum up this challenging, dark, unexpected, and remarkably beautiful book:
“To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable.” (Lord Henry)
Happy Reading!
My goodness, here it is on Amazon, FOR FREE! GET IT NOW!!