Forest App

by Forest
Forest App cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Technical
  • ID: 5318
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-23
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
forestapp.cc · Unknown · 2025-10-24
ambiguous 3.00

The Picture of Dorian Gray explores the psychological consequences of a life unburdened by conscience, but the reviewer finds the book's ambiguities and Lord Henry's diabolically clever wit problematic. While the book is well-written and thought-provoking, the reviewer cannot recommend it due to its lack of solutions to the problem of sin and the ambiguity of Lord Henry's character.

The Picture of Dorian Gray delves into the psychological and philosophical corruption of a young man who can hide the consequences of his actions through a magical portrait. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of conscience and the consequences of rejecting it, but finds the ambiguities in the story and the character of Lord Henry problematic. Lord Henry's witticisms are both horrifying and appealing, and his ideas are twistedly clever, making it difficult to fully endorse or condemn him. The reviewer also finds the plot more reflective than exciting and the relationship between Basil and Dorian bizarre. While the book is well-written and thought-provoking, the reviewer cannot recommend it due to its lack of solutions to the problem of sin and the ambiguity of Lord Henry's character.

Quick quotes

    The book isn’t that long or that short — probably shorter than Jane Eyre, for instance.

    The main theme of the book is a person’s relationship to their conscience.

    The story presents very little hope — just the smallest smattering of it in Basil’s reaction to seeing Dorian’s portrait — but it certainly paints a drastically vivid picture of the utter ruin that a life of abandonment to sin and sinful passions leads to.

customwritings.com · Unknown · 2025-10-16
brilliant 5.00

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel that explores themes of good and evil, the value of art, and the consequences of emotional vulnerability. The reviewer adores the book for its compelling characters, poetic prose, and relevant social commentary.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a novel that has captivated the reviewer with its exploration of complex themes. The story revolves around Dorian Gray, a young man who discovers eternal youth but at the cost of his moral integrity. The reviewer appreciates the novel's examination of good and evil, the role of art in moral development, and the personal consequences of emotional vulnerability. The characters, particularly Lord Henry Wotton and Basil Hallward, are portrayed with depth and nuance, making them both relatable and repulsive. The reviewer finds Wilde's prose enchanting, even in moments where the suspense wanes. They highly recommend the book, especially for those new to classics, and express a personal fondness for it.

Quick quotes

    There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves, we feel that no one else has the right to blame us. It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution.

    The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.

    There was something terribly enthralling in the exercise of influence… to hear one’s own intellectual views echoed back to one with all the added music of passion and youth.

bythescales.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2021-08-05
brilliant 4.00

The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by their enjoyment of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', finding it captivating and well-written. They praised the layered characters and the novel's exploration of themes like identity and beauty, calling it a must-read for all ages.

The reviewer, an avid fantasy reader, was pleasantly surprised by their enjoyment of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. They found the novel captivating, with witty writing and engaging characters that dragged the reader into the depths of the human soul. The characters were particularly praised for their complexity, with Dorian's transformation from a charming young man to a ruthless murderer being a standout aspect. Lord Henry and Basil Hallward were also highlighted for their significant roles in the storyline. The plot was commended for its exploration of themes like identity, beauty, and accountability, with the reviewer noting that the book's messages are long-lasting and memorable. They concluded that every student, teenager, and adult should read this novel, calling it a thrilling and entertaining read that is unlike any other classic they've read.

Quick quotes

    There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

    You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.

    The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.

forbes.com · Unknown · 2020-05-07
brilliant 4.50

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a complex novel that starts with humor and wit but takes a dark turn. The reviewer loved the first half for its clever one-liners and fascinating characters, while the second half, though darker, was also captivating. The book's exploration of self-development and the fear of society is thought-provoking.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a novel that begins with a lot of humor and wit, showcasing Wilde's genius as a dramatist. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the first half of the book for its clever one-liners and fascinating characters, such as Lord Henry Wotton and Sibyl Vane. The second half of the book takes a darker turn, but it was still fascinating to read. The novel explores themes of self-development and the fear of society, which the reviewer found thought-provoking. The ending is described as scary, like a horror novel, but the reviewer does not reveal the specifics. Overall, the reviewer loved the book despite its dark and sombre parts, highlighting many beautiful and thought-provoking passages.

Quick quotes

    I make a great difference between people. I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies. I have not got one who is a fool. They are all men of some intellectual power, and consequently they all appreciate me.

    I can sympathize with everything, except suffering.

    To get back one’s youth, one has merely to repeat one’s follies.

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