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

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Three journeys, one destination. All begun with the finding of a mysterious book.

When a young girl finds an ancient book, blank except for a woodcut of a dragon set in the middle, and some old letters addressed to: “ My dear and unfortunate successor,” in her father’s study her curiosity is aroused. Reluctant to explain, but feeling he has no choice, her father, Paul, begins to unfold the mysterious and terrifying events of some 20 years earlier.

The old book had inexplicably appeared on his study carrel, when Paul was a student. Taking the volume to his friend and mentor Professor Bartolomew Rossi, he learned Professor Rossi had received a book with the same woodcut some years early. In an attempt to stop Paul from researching what he perceives as a dangerous volume, Rossi tells his own tale of the long search for the meaning of the dragon and his discovery of its link to Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, the cruel ruler of Wallachia and his burial site. Rossi disappears that same night and despite his fear Paul begins a search for Dracula’s tomb aided by Helen Rossi, the professor’s daughter.

But when Paul himself disappears before finishing the tale, his daughter begins her own research in Vlad Tepes, determined to follow him.

Skillful woven together to illuminate history and the political tensions of Europe, as our characters are led in and out of Eastern Europe on the tail of an evil far greater than any of them had ever imagined.

Part of by 100+ book challenge

The Constant Princess

The history of Katherine of Aragon is so intertwined with England’s infamous monarch Henry VIII and his other 5 wives that it is often forgotten that she had a rich history of her own. In this fictionalized retelling of her story, Philippa Gregory tells the tale of the youngest daughter of two of the greatest Spanish monarchs – King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

Brought up on the battle field, and in the Moorish Courts of Spain, the Infanta Catalina is well aware of her destiny to become the next Queen of England. Betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, since the age of three, 15 year old Catalina leaves Spain to begin her life in the English court. But disaster is waiting in the wings. The newly weds move to Ludlow castle where Arthur is taken ill and dies with in months, leaving Catalina a widow and ineligible for the throne but before his death Arthur makes her promise she will marry his brother Henry and be the queen England needs.

And so begins long years of hardship and betray as fulfilling her beloved’s dying wish is no simple matter. Catalina must convince the court her marriage was never consummated and so the logical choice as bride for Henry, a task made harder by her parents’ failure to send her dowry. But throughout Catalina stays constant and finally takes her place as Queen Katherine of England.

Part of my 100+ book challenge

Rhett Butler's People

Rhett Butler – just the mention of the name triggers a love story set in the deep south amidst the bondage of slavery. But, true to its title, “Rhett Butler’s People” gives the reader an inside glimpse of the other side of the “Gone With the Wind”. Donald McCaig was given special privilege from the Margaret Mitchell estate to write this novel. Of course, Belle Whatling, Ashley Wilkes, Melly and Prissy are part of these people, but Scarlett’s personal maid, Mammy, is rarely mentioned. I guess the author truly wanted this book to be authentically Rhett’s.

I loved this book – especially after the war was over seeing how Rhett made his millions by gambling and owning the Merry Widow as being part of an offshore blockade runner. He is a shrewd businessman, an adventurer, outcast, rebel, dandy, and is heavily in love with the green-eyed beauty Scarlett. I recommend this book to any Scarlett fan.