Welcome to LivingSocial: Books

Wow, what a book. I can definitely see why "The Picture of Dorian Gray" was highly controversial in Wilde's time.

As a story, it provides a unique perspective. Eternal youth and beauty, endless riches, and the freedom to do what one wants - with a philosophy and a friend to justify all of that. Who wouldn't want to find out what happens to such a character? Dorian Gray is the type of person who everyone can see some of themselves in.

Dorian starts off as a pure, innocent you... (show more)

Wow, what a book. I can definitely see why "The Picture of Dorian Gray" was highly controversial in Wilde's time.

As a story, it provides a unique perspective. Eternal youth and beauty, endless riches, and the freedom to do what one wants - with a philosophy and a friend to justify all of that. Who wouldn't want to find out what happens to such a character? Dorian Gray is the type of person who everyone can see some of themselves in.

Dorian starts off as a pure, innocent youth who is convinced that it is his right and privilege to seek out new sensations in the world, and to experience as much as possible. However, this comes at a cost to his soul. His deeds, though not reflected on his physical body, are reflected on a painting of himself, which ages and tarnishes and reflects the state of Dorian's soul.

Dorian's sins are more often alluded to than actually described. His past is what comes out to haunt him, and readers can guess the depths to which he has sunk.

Youth, beauty, wealth, and how to live one's life - these are all eternal questions that Wilde explores in the "Picture of Dorian Gray." (show less)

This novel is set in the small seaside town of Castlebay, Ireland, from the 1950's to early 60's. It follows the stories of Clare O'Brien, daughter of a poor, but hard working, shopkeepers family, and David Power, the only son of the town's doctor.

Clare is determined to make her life better, and through a lot of hard work, gets a scholarship to a college in Dublin. David is also in Dublin, completing his residency as a doctor. They fall in love, and when circumstances force them to marry... (show more)

This novel is set in the small seaside town of Castlebay, Ireland, from the 1950's to early 60's. It follows the stories of Clare O'Brien, daughter of a poor, but hard working, shopkeepers family, and David Power, the only son of the town's doctor.

Clare is determined to make her life better, and through a lot of hard work, gets a scholarship to a college in Dublin. David is also in Dublin, completing his residency as a doctor. They fall in love, and when circumstances force them to marry and return home to Castlebay, the relationship is tested. In that time and place, class lines were strictly observed, and Clare is looked down upon by her mother-in-law, and doesn't feel like she fits in any longer with her own family either.

Other interesting characters in this book include Angela O'Hara, the local school teacher, who has devoted her life to her students and to caring for her invalid mother, and Gerry Doyle, a man not trusted by many in the community, but manages to charm most of the ladies.

I loved this story, it's a little slow in the beginning, but quickly picks up pace and then it is hard to put down. The only thing I didn't like was the ending, it left a few things hanging. But it's an excellent portrait of what life was like in that time and in that place. (show less)