The Picture of Dorian Gray

Having listened to samples of most other readings of this book, I can assure you that this is the most captivatingly read. Simon Prebble conveys the cynicism, wit and drama of the text in a fashion that truly draws you into the world. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Despite knowing much of the plot of the story beforehand, it was better than I expected. Lovely prose and keen social commentary. A masterpiece. The narration was excellent.

I really enjoyed this book. Lord Henry is wicked and wise all in the same breath and you don't know how to feel for Dorian Gray. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

I have recommended, and will keep recommending, this book/ audio book to anyone and everyone. Lord Henry shows both the impractical and the practical side of a wicked philosophy, while Basil shows the craving for simple, naive, or innocent personalities among those of us who have come into the knowledge of sin and yet resist temptation. Dorian Gray, and the changes he faced throughout this novel, represent the transition from innocence to adulthood and how simple mistakes change us forever. In this hauntingly beautiful novel, Oscar Wilde depicts both this philosophy, and his wit without overpowering the underlying moral takeaway in what has to be one of the greatest novels of all time.

I would not recommend this for Militant (i.e. unwilling to learn) Christians, Atheists, or other firm believers in something absolute. This is a novel for those willing to learn, for in learning, you are re-instituting your very belief system.

Yes, because it was great to listen to while working around the house. I probably wouldn't have taken the time to read the book.

Sybil Vane, the beautiful actress who falls in love with Dorian Gray. I felt sorry for her and she was the most human of all the other characters. More easy to identify with, in stead of the rich, vain people that were in this novel.

I don't remember, he was a good narrator for this book. He did make Dorian Gray a very irritating person, but then he was irritating.

Take a look at me!

Great story about vanity and evil. Some wonderful Wilde lines that made me chuckle.

No need to extoll the brilliance of this novel. Simon Prebble's narration however is top-notch.

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

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

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.

No.

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.

Oscar Wild's only novel is full of murder and mayhem in the life of a self absorbed socialite. It tells the Faustian story of the downfall of Dorian Gray due to his deal with the devil tied up in a painting that captures his aging and moral decay and keeps him young. Very interesting twists.

Really would rate this 4 1/2 stars overall. A classic novella from one of the best prose writers of all time. Wilde was a master at the "turn of phrase", and in this story the character of Lord Henry (called "the prince of paradox") is a stand-in for Wilde himself. This is a novel that needs to be read (or listened to) more than once to catch all the philosophical ramblings. I did not think that Dorian should be blamed for all the degradation he believes he caused. After all individuals are responsible for their own actions and have a choice - they followed Dorian willingly. He himself was greatly influenced by the cynical Lord Henry. The idea of having the picture change with each cruel action was a brilliant literary device. Simon Prebble's narration was excellent although I did have some problems telling Lord Henry and Dorian apart.

Wonderful narration of a witty classic. It was like watching a train wreck, you can't stop listening.