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

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.

This Should be Next In Your Library, Period

What made the experience of listening to The Picture of Dorian Gray the most enjoyable?

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a stunningly beautiful book, among my very favourites. I had not read it for many years when I stumbled upon this performance of it, and it has instantly rocketed to the top of the "Top 10" list in my Audible library.

This cautionary, "be careful what you wish for" tale contains many of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated lines, including my personal favourite, "There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." Beautiful-but-outrageous dialogue like this brings a lightness and some comedy to this otherwise sad story.

I'm not sure if I've ever given 5 stars across the board before, but this performance of this wonderful book is surely deserving of it. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Prebble gives a near-perfect performance. Each character has a distinctive voice, but the distinctions are subtle and totally believable, unlike some narrators who I think go overboard. His "Basil Hallwood" in particular is beautifully human; every ounce of the characters kindness, and his love for Dorian, comes shining through.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray to be better than the print version?

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.

Who was your favorite character and why?

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.

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

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.

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

Take a look at me!

Any additional comments?

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

Absolutely Incredible

If you could sum up The Picture of Dorian Gray in three words, what would they be?

Artistic, dark, philosophical

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Picture of Dorian Gray?

I'll never forget the ending, nor the climax. I don't really want to give either away to anyone who hasn't read it.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

All of it was perfect, in regards to Simon Prebble's performance. Prebble and Jim Dale are my two favorite narrators.

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

Yes. Though it was too long for me to do so. It only took a few sittings.

Any additional comments?

This book has a lot to do with what "sin" or evil is. It also has a lot to do with corruption and the purpose of the conscience. Yes, it is fiction, but it is extremely philosophical. It is a worthwhile read, but not a light one, by any means. This is a book you read when you're in the mood to think and feel deeply. Naturally, the language is beautiful.

Some classics are up to the hype... Some aren't

It seemed to take forever to get to the good parts, and then it ended.

Amazing

I can't say I loved it because of the very dark theme, but it certainly leaves the reader with a lot to think about regarding morality and ageing. I highly recommend it although it seemed to me that some of the dialogue and descriptions are rather drawn out. Sometimes I just thought, "ok, I got the picture, let's on with the story!" I think that is typical of 19th century literature.

beautiful

beautifully written story. a spiral into the human psyche. no wonder it's a classic and well ahead of its time.

A true classic!

The words are poetic, and read more like song then verse. There are equal parts of beauty in the writing and darkness. Truly compelling.