The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

This scandalous supernatural classic by the moralistic author, tells the tale of the vain, beautiful young man, Dorian Gray. After having his portrait made he becomes infatuated with the idea of eternal youth and beauty and makes a foolish wish that he would stay young and fresh forever, while the portrait grew old. A wish that comes true.

Encouraged by Lord Henry (Harry)Wotton, Dorian follows many sinful and sensual exploits, which leave no mark upon him, but changes the face of painting into a hideous mask of evil and corruption. Hiding the painting away, Dorian believes himself free to live as he likes, but his unchanged face does not go unnoticed and his dangerous and attractive lifestyle leaves death and destruction in his wake.

Wilde's tale from the 1890s is filled with his characteristic observations of human nature and dry humour. A more difficult and complicated read than many of his other books, with long periods philosophical discussion which, though interesting, stop the flow of the story.

Of course, the book scandalized the Victorians and it was even used against him when he was on trial that resulted in imprisonment due to homosexuality!

Part of my 100+ reading challenge

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Having put off reading this book for sometime, for no particular reason, I finally sat down with it, having nowhere to go while waiting on my car's service. I was surprised by how easy it read, and how short the book was - a scant 100 something pages.

This tragic novella, published in 1937, tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small. George, an ambitious, wiry, sharp-tongued man and Lennie, almost his exact opposite: large and simpleminded but with a good heart and more strength than he knows what to do with. The two friends who, just like people today, are travelling from place to place looking for work, watching out for each other and trying to earn enough money to buy a farm to call home.

When the two find work at a ranch in California it seems that their dream might at last be in reach, but like "the best-laid schemes of mice and men," not even George could perceive the combined danger of a salacious woman and the few lessons Lennie remembers.

The complex relationship between the two men gives strength and pathos to the narrative making the ending even more of a tear-jerker as the reader comes to terms with the tragedy.

To request a copy from the JCLC catalog click here

Part of the 100+ book challenge