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The Picture Of Dorian Gray: An Annotated, Uncensored Edition (2011)

by Oscar Wilde(Favorite Author)

4.23 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0674057929 (ISBN13: 9780674057920)

languge

English

genre

Horror

publisher

Belknap Press

review 1: I'm glad I learned in high school that I didn't have to love the classics just because they are classics.It's a book that glorifies youth, (wittily) puts down women, and explores the darkness of cherub-faced amorality, decadence and high drama; none of those are particularly my cup of tea. In fact, they're pretty much the direct opposite.However, I can appreciate the context of time and the way a story is woven with an author's life. For that I can find merit in the story even if it's unlikely I'll read it again.
review 2: The most disturbing thing about reading it was my reaction: envy. Yes, I was disgusted - not by any of the homoeroticism that was apparently heavily edited from earlier editions, but by the cruelty and lack of compassion of Dorian and Harry. ... moreBut really I'm more disgusted with my own narcissism. What does it say about me, as a human being, that part of me wants the same deal Dorian got? In the (I hope) wiser part of my mind, compassion and kindness are the most important ideals, and I make every effort to live up to them. And yet...that other part of my mind, that vain and self-seeking side, seems to think otherwise. That youth and beauty are more precious; the key to every door that could be locked to me in this world. I suspect that part of it for me is my internalization of some aspects of gay culture, namely the fetishization of physical "perfection." If this story is any indication, that's nothing new. But...I don't know. This book brought up some of my own deepest insecurities and fears. Ultimately, I hope that my wise mind will win out, especially since there doesn't seem much chance that anyone's going to paint a magic portrait of me anytime soon. less

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