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

A Study of Shallowness & Vanity

In this dark and tragic commentary, Oscar Wilde spares no liberties in discussing morality, religion, society, and the depths of the human condition. This is a book in which beauty seems to be considered as an end in itself — except that Dorian’s great love of beauty ought to have induced in him such a revulsion at the growing ugliness of his character.

Dorian Gray is beauty in human form. His friend Basil Hallward, a painter, sees Dorian's beauty and is driven to portray it on canvas. Per Dorian's wish, he will remain beautiful, and Basil's portrait will bear the ravages of his soul. Basil's homoerotic fascination with Dorian, and its expression in his portrait of Dorian, will unwittingly lead to tragedy.

Overall: This is a deep novel, and requires some thinking about the lessons and messages throughout the writing. It's "a book that has never finished saying what it has to say."

Like Dorian this story is Ageless. BRILLIANT.

To my shame I have never read any Wilde so purchased this 'Deal of the Day' and listened to it in one exquisite sitting. I was enthralled. Oscar Wilde writes with such heart that you get to know the characters so quickly. Although 'Dorian Gray' was originally' published in 1890 it could have been written yesterday as it's language stands the test of time. So easy to read and relate to.

A story about one's inner battles between good and evil. An illustration of man's soul and how one can live seemingly without 'heart'. However knowing that there are consequences of whom no one is exempt as there is always a price to pay regardless of one's 'class'.

This volume was made more enjoyable by another great performance by Simon Prebble.

Highly recommended.

flowers never smelt so

I feel it lacks drama. Some of the insights are deep and moving but towards the end it lost me. I'll try again in a few years but for now it's off to new things. Great narration.

Marvelous classic

The story is one in which the vanity of youth is explored. The story itself is well written ant the narration was astounding.

it's an entertaining story.

Great listen. I would recommend. Parts of the story seen to drag on and don't move the poor forward. But overall, it's worth listening too.

Phenomenal writing

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

I first read this when I was in my early 20's and at that age, the significance and quality of writing didn't impress. Now that I am in my late 60's, I was stunned to find this book so captivating, it was difficult to put it down. Oscar Wilde wrote brilliantly and so captured the withering of Dorian Grays life as well as those experiences that change us. Admiration indeed for such a wonderful writer!

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

Simon Prebble was the perfect narrator for this piece. His maturity, inflections and capacity to express the varied emotions of the characters was just right. I will be seeking other works by this talented narrator.

Any additional comments?

I heartily recommend this book for both the content and the storytelling. Lessons are abundant and despite its 1891 writing, much of what is presented can be compared to life today.

Great book, uninspired narration

If you've never read any Oscar Wilde, this is a great book to start out with. But I much prefer Edward Petherbridge's narration to Simon Prebble's.

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!