This Victorian Gothic novel tells the story of a beautiful young man who trades his soul for eternal youth while his portrait ages and grows increasingly hideous with each of his sins. As Dorian pursues a life of hedonism and corruption, the novel explores themes of art, beauty, morality, and the nature of the soul.
About Oscar Wilde
A brilliant Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and wit, Oscar Wilde was known for his flamboyant style and sharp social satire. His works, such as The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, are characterized by their clever dialogue, epigrammatic wit, and exploration of aestheticism and morality. Wilde's life and writings challenged Victorian conventions and continue to be celebrated for their brilliance and audacity.
Similar Books
Fallen
by Lauren Kate
Series: Fallen (#1)
Fallen by Lauren Kate is a haunting tale of star-crossed love that delves into themes of fate, redemption, and eternal struggle. The story follows Luce Price, a young girl plagued by dark visions and misfortune, as she is sent to a reform school after her boyfriend's mysterious death. There, she encounters Daniel Grigori, a compelling yet distant figure who inexplicably captivates her. As Luce unravels the secrets of her past lives and the ancient curse binding her and Daniel, she discovers a world where angels battle over souls, and love triumphs or succumbs to dark forces. Kate's evocative storytelling and atmospheric setting draw readers into a richly constructed realm that questions the boundaries of free will and destiny, making it a compelling read for fans of supernatural romance.
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre follows an orphaned girl who overcomes hardship and repression to find independence and love. As a governess at Thornfield Hall, Jane falls for the brooding Mr. Rochester, only to discover he harbors a dark secret. The novel explores themes of morality, autonomy, gender roles, and spiritual integrity. Noted for its strong, principled heroine and gothic atmosphere, Jane Eyre blends romance with social critique, cementing its place as a foundational feminist and literary classic.
The Woman in White
The Woman in White opens with Walter Hartright’s chilling moonlit encounter with a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white. Hired as a drawing master for the lovely Laura Fairlie, Walter is soon entangled in a web of deception spun by the sinister Sir Percival Glyde and his enigmatic ally, Count Fosco—a man with a fondness for white mice, sweets, and poison. As secrets unravel across country estates and asylums, the novel delves into themes of identity, madness, and justice. Wilkie Collins’s groundbreaking work launched the Victorian sensation genre, blending Gothic suspense with psychological depth and social critique. A true classic.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a philosophical novel that follows the journey of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of discovering a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Guided by mysterious omens and encounters with symbolic characters like a king, an alchemist, and a desert woman named Fatima, Santiago learns that the true treasure lies in the pursuit of one’s “Personal Legend.” Blending mysticism, spiritual wisdom, and simple storytelling, Coelho’s novel inspires readers to listen to their hearts, follow their dreams, and trust the journey. It’s a timeless fable about purpose, destiny, and the transformative power of faith.