What kind of life would you lead if you could do anything without having to worry about what toll it would take on your health and life?  The Picture of Dorian Grey explores the psychology of a young man who suddenly finds himself in this kind of situation—and shows how in the end, though he can mask the symptoms of his sins, he can’t escape the final consequences.

The book isn’t that long or that short—probably shorter than Jane Eyre, for instance.

The Picture of Dorian Grey is not a book I recommend; although the main gist of the book is a true one (that killing one’s conscience leads to crime and death), there are ambiguities remaining, and one of the character’s conversational wit verges on the diabolically clever.  I certainly discourage it being read by anyone not 18+.

Read straight on for an explanation of my criticism or skip to the end for a brief conclusion!

Continue reading “Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray (by Oscar Wilde)” →