The Picture of Dorian Gray

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Dorian Gray, a handsome and narcissistic young man, lives thoughtlessly for his own pleasure - an attitude encouraged by the company he keeps. One day, after having his portrait painted, Dorian makes a frivolous Faustian wish: that he should always remain as young and beautiful as he is in that painting, while the portrait grows old in his stead.

The wish comes true, and Dorian soon finds that none of his wicked actions have visible consequences. Realizing that he will appear fresh and unspoiled no matter what kind of life he lives, Dorian becomes increasingly corrupt, unchecked by public opinion. Only the portrait grows degenerate and ugly, a powerful symbol of Dorian's internal ruin.

Wilde's dreamlike exploration of life without limits scandalized its late-Victorian audience and has haunted readers' imaginations for more than a hundred years.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Lord Henry steals the show

Worth it for the witticisms alone. it is one of Vance's best performances. Funny and tragic.

Much enjoyed listening to this classic

Re-read the story after 30 years. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful writing and excellent narration.

Good Novel, Outstanding Narrator!

I would read anything by Simon Vance, he is a delight to listen. The book was good but is not for everyone. If you enjoy descriptions, dark humor and some philosophy you will like this book.

Got my littleSister to enjoy discussing literature

My little sister who never got into reading actively started a discussion about this book when she was reading it in school, for which I'm grateful. An interesting novella, especially when paired with The Curious Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. As both struggle with the inner vs the outer person. Though very different takes on it.

Dorian Grey is a young beautiful man who poses for a painting. When it is finished he wishes that the he will always stay that beautiful and that the painting would take all the marks of his living. This comes to pass, but the consequences spiral out of control. The painting becomes a reflection of Dorian's very soul baring the stains of his sins.

I can't say anymore without giving things away, so listen to it.

As timeless as it is beautiful

Much like the namesake character, this story hasn't aged a day since the 1890s.

Eloquent, witty, and full of insight. And the reader captures it all. Some of the most true-to-life dialogue I have heard on Audible.

Excellent writing, great finale

I never read the book or saw the movie, but when i read about it i thought it was going to be a book full of sins and depravation, i was not seeking that, but i was surprised that it didn't go into details of what Dorian Gray did to become so evil. That is the only part that i didn't love, maybe it could explain how he gets to be so bad.

On the other part the hedonist and cynical point of view given through Lord Henry is excellent, i think that is what made this book so important and influential.

I loved the ending.

You are what you do!

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

Yes. The narration of this classic story is excellent. The Picture of Dorian Gray has a lesson to be learned. We are what we do.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Since first hearing Simon Vance's voice, I've added him to my list of Favorite Narrators. His diction is excellent and each character's voice is distinctive and clear. He brings the books he narrates alive.

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

Absolutely. I could listen to Simon Vance all day, every day.

Great literature, superb narration

What more can be said about Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray"? Fascinating, mysterious, gripping, and witty. Simon Vance's narration captures every nuance of the language, story, and dialogue.

Loved it.

The book is very good, if a challenging listen at times. I anticipated the twists & turns of the story, but I didn't care because I was enjoying the gothicness of it all. Simon Vance does an excellent read.

Absolutely Astonishing

The performance was superb and this classic still gives me the creeps. I've read it and hears it several times and every time I learn something about myself.