The Picture of Dorian Gray is one book that I’ve had on a reading list for years and years without getting around to reading. Having a nice long winter break is helpful for meeting some of those goals. My only prior experience to Oscar Wilde was watching an adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest and hearing bout grad student friends’ obsession with him. After reading, I totally understand the obsession, although Wilde is not going to unseat Jane Austen for me. This full review […]
A Serious Play About Trivial Matters
Most days I wish that I could create my own hybrid Algonquin Round Table and use my razor sharp wit to amuse my (fake/dead writer) friends. While I wish I was a good person all the time, I’m actually “best” when scathing…it’s a blessing and a curse. As I’ve grown up, I think I’ve tucked away most of these tendencies but I still think about my perfect round table. My line up shifts here and there over the years but always at the table are […]
Hauntingly Beautiful!
Fiftieth book reviewed as part of the 130 Challenge. Oh! Is there anything even close to an Oscar Wilde novel? If there is something that is horrifying and disgusting, yet somehow most reassuring and beautiful, this is it. A novel that shook up the world into which it was born. So ahead of its times! So exquisitely written with such a rich language and splendid narrative! I honestly don’t find myself capable of reviewing such a book. I write this only because I had decided that I […]
Drama and lessons from the school of life.
Forty-fourth book reviewed as part of the 130 Challenge. Yet again I turn to a play by Oscar Wilde and yet again I come away entirely delighted by the experience! Every one of his works has his distinct imprint of acerbic satire and astute observations. While his characters are from the late 20th Century, his observations of the human condition are timeless. And while he is wickedly sarcastic, he almost always manages to convince you that in the end, people are essentially good at heart. […]