Book Reviews
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Reviewed by Elixir, 8/10
When I was first recommended to read this novel, I wasn’t really sure what to think. The idea of it being a Penguin Classic gave me ideas of archaic language that I would never understand and a dull plot involving some sort of airy-fairy romance (note that authors such as Austen and the Brontë sisters also have novels in the Penguin Classics range!)
However, what I was presented with was totally different from this rather cynical stereotype. Dorian Gray is a novel with its fair share of romance, but this is accompanied by suicide, murder, betrayal and, at times, pure evil.
The handsome, youthful Dorian Gray has his portrait painted by an artist friend and, after seeing the positive reaction he gets from others, makes a wish to stay forever youthful and never physically grow old. Much to his surprise, his wish is granted – but his eternal beauty masks a long, dark life of secrets and brutality. It is only a little while later, after he has committed some terrible acts, that he comes to realise his portrait is showing the sinister, aged man he is inside...
Admittedly, there are a few moments in the novel where the description is overwhelming and it seems to plod, but the storyline itself is fantastic. There are subtle twists and turns throughout the book, and the ending only rounds off a brilliantly-crafted novel that I would recommend to anyone.
The Lost Symbol
Reviewed by Neilinstructor, 6/10
This was eagerly anticipated particularly after the mega publicity and success of Dan Browns Da Vinci Code. As usual a follow up certainly didn't live up to the first. This book is based on the mystery surrounding the Masonic lodge. The same character is caught up in a plot which at times is very slow and a little far fetched but that said it was still enjoyable.