Karen's Reviews > The Picture of Dorian Gray

I first read this book approximately 35-ish years ago. It was time for a re-visit! This time it was via audiobook included in my Audible subscription. Frugality and nostalgia... what a way to begin 2024.

The story was as great as I first remembered it as a young teenager. We have Dorian Gray, a young man with little experience in the world. The painter, Basil, who paints such a beautiful portrait of young, gorgeous Dorian that Dorian wishes hard that his real appearance and physical being could remain as perfect as the original painting, while the painting takes on the hardship and degeneration that would normally occur with age. Then we have Henry, the jerk who nurtures Dorian's selfishness and narcissism over time.

The story is excellent, full of wit and sharp observations about society and its values. It's as good as I remember it and a classic because the message transcends class, race, religion and time. Poor Dorian. Be careful what you wish for!