The Picture of Dorian Gray

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Oscar Wilde brings his enormous gifts for astute social observation and sparkling prose to The Picture of Dorian Gray, the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. This dandy, who remains forever unchanged---petulant, hedonistic, vain, and amoral---while a painting of him ages and grows increasingly hideous with the years, has been horrifying and enchanting readers for more than 100 years. Taking the reader in and out of London drawing rooms, to the heights of aestheticism, and to the depths of decadence, The Picture of Dorian Gray is not simply a melodrama about moral corruption. Laced with bon mots and vivid depictions of upper-class refinement, it is also a fascinating look at the milieu of Wilde's fin-de-siècle world and a manifesto of the creed "Art for Art's Sake."The ever-quotable Wilde, who once delighted London with his scintillating plays, scandalized readers with this, his only novel. Upon publication, Dorian was condemned as dangerous, poisonous, stupid, vulgar, and immoral, and Wilde as a "driveling pedant." The novel, in fact, was used against Wilde at his much-publicized trials for "gross indecency," which led to his imprisonment and exile on the European continent. Even so, The Picture of Dorian Gray firmly established Wilde as one of the great voices of the Aesthetic movement and endures as a classic that is as timeless as its hero.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Classic story...

For anyone who hasn't read it by now, it's a timeless tale of ego, virtue and morality.
Although the obvious anti-semitism through use of one of his characters (the stage manager) is painful and saddening. I'm an Oscar Wilde fan but I was unaware of this trait.

A cautionary tale on moral relativism?

This short, thought-provoking, and character-driven story is well-suited for the reader who enjoys pondering or discussing. Expect to be motivated much more by these than by the plot, such as it is.

Filled with epigrams simultaneously enlightening and corrupting, one could dwell endlessly on whether each contains wisdom, truth, poison, or a perplexing combination.

Very well voice acted.

Very interesting!

Fascinating storyline it did however get a little lost in descriptions and poetic language. I enjoyed it but it dragged a little at certain points.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words But Good Grief

Would you listen to The Picture of Dorian Gray again? Why?

Nothing could induce me to sit (squirm) through this again. The extreme pontificating and holding forth ad nauseum becomes unbearable after awhile.

What other book might you compare The Picture of Dorian Gray to and why?

This book is somewhat comparable to Wuthering Heights in that the main characters drain you of any concern or compassion for them because they are determined to be their own worst enemy - all others be damned.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Skilled narration that smoothly, artfully captured both the ennui and the high-flown arrogance of the English upper class.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Initially, yes, but 1/3 into the book the pace and plot progression becomes tiresome and uncomfortably dire.

Any additional comments?

Despite the painfully forced hedonistic stance and the exhausting extremes of feverish emotions I recommend this book. It eventually succeeds in its moralizing and Wilde's matchless wit and powers of observation are a rare treat. His genius can not be denied.

well done

familiar story brought to life with an expressive narration. I enjoyed the experience all 'round.

Not my cup of tea

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I really have been trying to listen to books that are considered must reads. This book just moved so slowly that it bored me.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I already knew the premise of this book so the ending was no surprise.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration like the story wasn't anything special. I think I have been spoiled by narrations that incorporate sound effects. Or maybe its the readings that sound like they actually are enthusiastic about the material past just reading it.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to several books from this period, they are just not for me. If you like this style of writing then enjoy! I found the story to be really dull with an odd emphasis on details of things that didn't add to the overall story.

Very Good!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great story. Really enjoyed it.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

The narrator was a good choice for this book. Very easy listen.

The villain you want to love.

Incredibly descriptive and captivating. The plot really thickens in the last quarter of the book and regardless of Dorian's good fortune and abundance of luck, karma catches up to him. Absolutely fantastic read!

Enjoyable, if uneven, classic horror tale.

Where does The Picture of Dorian Gray rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right in the middle. Simon Prebble's reading is very well done and when the story is focused on the dark side of Dorian Gray it is interesting. There are also a lot of passages where him and his snobby friends talk about gossip and philosophize and that is boring (though gives insight into the narcissism that is a theme of the story) Still, in the end, the story delivers with a fantastic and slightly chilling ending.

Would you be willing to try another book from Oscar Wilde? Why or why not?

I would try it but I imagine this would be my favorite of his.

Which scene was your favorite?

His confrontation with the painter, the ending

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The cost of vanity is high.

Any additional comments?

It's a great read at least once. Not sure if I will ever read it again but do feel it was worth my time.

super good short story

story is about vanity as a concept, not much in the way a a complicated plot or one with any such twists. a rather easy to listen to linear book of ideology.