The Picture of Dorian Gray
Shrika Reddy, Grade 8

Gray is a gripping tale that explores beauty, morality, and the consequences of living a life without limits. The story follows Dorian Gray, a handsome and wealthy young man who makes a dangerous wish: that a painted portrait of him will age and bear the marks of his sins, while he stays eternally young and flawless. As Dorian dives deeper into a life of excess and selfishness, the portrait becomes a horrifying reflection of his true self, growing uglier with every mistake he makes.
What’s so brilliant about this book is how it makes you think about big questions: What happens when you care too much about how others see you? How far would you go to avoid the consequences of your actions? Wilde weaves these ideas into a dark and thrilling story, filled with sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters. Lord Henry, with his witty and manipulative personality, constantly tempts Dorian to embrace a dangerous lifestyle, while Basil, the artist who painted the portrait, represents Dorian’s lost sense of goodness and the person he could have been.
The book is beautifully written, with lines that make you stop and think. Wilde’s descriptions create a rich, atmospheric world that feels both glamorous and unsettling. It’s not just a creepy story about a cursed painting—it’s also a deep dive into the human desire for power, beauty, and freedom from consequences. If you’re looking for a story that lingers in your mind, this is the perfect read.