The Challenge Factory discussion

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
322 pages

Many copies available through area libraries.
Free on gutenberg.org
Free audio book on librivox.org.
Many ebooks available for less than a dollar on Amazon.

Synopsis
Oscar Wilde’s only novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty.

In this celebrated work Wilde forged a devastating portrait of the effects of evil and debauchery on a young aesthete in late-19th-century England. Combining elements of the Gothic horror novel and decadent French fiction, the book centers on a striking premise: As Dorian Gray sinks into a life of crime and gross sensuality, his body retains perfect youth and vigor while his recently painted portrait grows day by day into a hideous record of evil, which he must keep hidden from the world. For over a century, this mesmerizing tale of horror and suspense has enjoyed wide popularity. It ranks as one of Wilde's most important creations and among the classic achievements of its kind.

Reading Schedule

Week 1 - Chapters 1 to 5
Week 2 - Chapters 6 to 10
Week 3 - Chapters 11 to 15
Week 4 - Chapters 16 to 20

looking forward to reading this!!!

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my favorite books. I'm looking forward to reading it with everyone.

It's one of my favourites as well, one I'm always happy to have an excuse to re-read!

I've read it before, but I'm happy to read it again!

I have completed this as an audiobook. It was definitely new to me! Very interested to see everyone's comments. My comments speak to the whole book as it was pretty short and went quickly for me.
(view spoiler)[I found the whole investigation of whether life creates art or art creates life to be most interesting. At least, that is what I think Oscar Wilde was getting at in the very strange relationship Dorian Gray had with his portrait.
Dorian's utter callousness regarding others' well-being was shocking. Was that his inherent nature? Or was it the burden he received along with the gift of seeming eternal youth when he turned over his conscience to the painting?
This one twisted my head up plenty. I'll chime in more as people comment - but these are my initial thoughts. (hide spoiler)]