Karen’s rating: 9.5/10
Genre: Gothic terror, philosophical novel.
As a disclaimer, this novel talks about the decadence of the soul: committing what are considered sins. So it’s not for everybody and I, for instance, don’t recommend it for kids.
What I liked:
- There’s a very clear duality presented in this book talking about what is considered good and evil, and I just love a story that talks about these concepts in their own way.
- Also, the character development we can see in Dorian is remarkable. He being influenced and then experiencing firsthand his moral compass is to me what makes this novel so enthralling.
What I didn’t like:
- Knowing this is a novel from 1890, there are several concepts I definitely don’t agree with. However, if you recognize the context in which this book is written, then this won’t be a problem for you!
Why do I recommend it?
As someone who enjoys questioning everything and analyzing the different perspectives on such an intricate topic such as moral prejudices, this was the best option to start reading in English. However, I’m aware this is not everybody’s interest. But I’m pretty sure horror is a more appealing genre for most of you!
Just like a suspense movie, the writing in this book makes it so entertaining and leaves you wanting to know more and more. It becomes really easy to engage in the story and keep reading.
The vocabulary can be sometimes a challenge since the author Oscar Wilde is from the 19th century. And even though it may not be the best option to learn conversational English, it can be an easy way to improve your reading skills.
Short introduction:
Dorian Gray, our main character, is a really beautiful boy with the most angelic face you could imagine. He has those kinds of faces you see and you think “I trust him”. Or at least that’s what Basil and Lord Henry seem to think of him. Even though for Basil there are more important things in life than looks, for Lord Henry it’s quite the opposite. He thinks that one should follow our desires and passions.
Thinking the same as Lord Henry, Dorian wishes he’d be young forever and instead of him, his portrait -the one Basil painted for him putting his life into it- would age.
And sometimes wishes come true.
What would you do if you discovered that even if your soul changed, you could have eternal youth and beauty? At least we can know what Dorian did.
As it had revealed to him his own body, so it would reveal to him his own soul.
The Picture of Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde.
Where did I get it?
It was pure luck that I bought this exact book. I was interested in reading a book in English for the first time and I asked the guy in the bookstore if he had any, and he did! Since it’s one of the classics it shouldn’t be difficult for you to get your own copy. But, if you’re from Colombia, the easiest option is one of the biggest bookstores such as Panamericana or Librería Nacional. Although the probability is smaller, it’s possible to find it in small stores as well.
Recuerda que si estás en un nivel inicial y aún luchas por comprender textos como éste, puedes revisar en mi pestaña de Tips los diferentes consejos que tengo para darte en tu aprendizaje del Inglés.
