We’ve all focused a little bit too much on how we look in pictures, to the point where we really should take a break, particularly if it starts to impact our lives, reminiscing on times past. But if this starts to take over, most of us can take some time to deal with it. But not everyone has got the memo…
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic tale of a young man who is widely regarded to be beautiful, who has his picture painted by a local artist. After hearing some wise words about his youth and how this will live on in the picture but not in real life, Dorian Gray begins to lose his mind, seeing the picture changing before his eyes as the words impact him to his soul. Driven mad by what he is seeing, Dorian takes drastic action to try to save what he can if himself, regardless of the sacrifice.
Oscar Wilde is one of the most reputed authors in history, and from reading his arguably most famous work, I can see why. In its short length, The Picture of Dorian Gray creates this intriguing, thought-provoking imagery that you cannot help seeing whilst you read. Whether it’s the intricate descriptions of the painting, or of Dorian Gray himself, the storytelling in this book is done very well. The plot itself was also incredibly interesting. As possibly one of the first stories to explore mental health & self-imagery in such a way, even if this is taken to the extreme in some cases, you cannot help but feel for our protagonist as he continues to suffer further, and going into such detail with some of these elements really gives the story the edge that many others lack.
I’ve always known that Oscar Wilde was a hugely unique and successful author, and if The Picture of Dorian Gray is anything to go by, it’s hardly surprising. Short, sharp, but will amazing detail, this book was definitely worth the time.
Rating: ★★★★☆
The Picture of Dorian Gray (ISBN: 978-0-19-953598-9) was published in 1890. A copy is available to borrow from the LGBTQ+ Lending Library in the LGBTQ+ Lounge
