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Hello again!!

I’ve been bringing Aristotle and Dante with me to work for the past few days and finally finished reading it during my lunch breaks!

I absolutely LOVED this book! The innocence of two young boys growing together, discovering life and themselves, going through so much together - and apart - and at the end of it all, despite how much they’ve changed, they’re still the same two boys that you meet at the beginning.

Not only that, but the book was just nice to read. It felt familiar, felt comfortable. Nothing felt forced or out of place, like you were just part of it all so naturally. The way things unfolded, linked together, and called back to one another, was done so well, I honestly never felt like something was a forced reference, or that it had been mentioned just for the reason of a callback.

I’m so glad I picked this book up again, and I’m a little sad I read through it so quickly.

Thank you for sticking with me!

Hey guys! Just wanted to give you all a little update! I am still alive, it turns out!

Haven’t been reading as much as I’d hoped to recently (like, at all) ‘cause life went a lil’ wild for a few months. I wasn’t happy at all at Uni so I’ve taken some time out and altered my course a little, so I’ll be back there in September. In the meantime, I’ve started a full-time job which has made me way more tired than I thought!

But! I’m getting back into the swing of things and I’m definitely gonna start setting more time aside to read in my spare time. So, you’ll see a little more of me in the near future!

And, although I took a break, I’m still holding on hope that I can keep reading this year and beat my goal!

I hope you’ve all been doing well, and thanks for sticking around!

Couldn’t update for a couple days because of an assignment (yes I did leave it until last minute) but the other day I started reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe! I’m up to page 184, I’m not sure exactly which chapter it is as it’s separated into different parts, but according to Goodreads that’s 51%, so I got pretty far in one sitting!

I’m really loving this book, it’s one that’s just so easy to read. It’s filled with details in a way that’s not overwhelming and I’m loving the story and all it’s characters!

I’ll have to put this book away for a couple days (moving back to uni, assignments and exams, the usual) but I can’t wait to finish it!

There are so many that I could probably say were my favourite, but I’d have to say at the end of the book, when Thetis and Petroclus are speaking.

It’s was so unexpected to me, the two finally coming together. Patroclus going over his memories of Achilles had me weeping, and Thetis finally let Patroclus rest, the person I’d expected least. I don’t think there could have been a better ending than that.

Finished reading The Song Of Achilles last night and it destroyed me. I don’t really know how to say this, but, the ending was perfect, in every way, and I was sobbing at 6am.

I was in and out of tears for most of the last couple chapters but the ending really just brought it all home. I’m so glad I read this book.

I’ve genuinely nothing else to say. It was perfect. That’s all.

So, I picked up The Song Of Achilles, finally. It’s been sitting on my bookshelf for months, I think, and I’ve been seeing so much hype about it over TikTok. Hype may not be the right word, but I’ve seen hundreds of people raving about it.

I’ve been sat here, maybe for a couple hours, just reading. I’m up to page 197, Chapter 19. I finally decided to put it down because it’s 5am and even I think that I should probably head to bed.

Everything I’ve seen about this book has been an understatement, I would say. It’s honestly one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. Miller’s writing just evokes emotions so precisely and perfectly. Everything seems so seamless, I really hadn’t noticed that two hours had passed until I realised I was tired.

I’m not going to spoil anything, because I want people to go and read it. I’ve cried and I’ve laughed and I’ve cried again. Sometimes from happiness, sometimes not. There are probably a hundred words to describe this book and I can’t think of one.

I really, really, didn’t do well this year. I don’t know what happened, maybe just a huge lack of motivation to actually pick up a book and read?

I’ve been reading manga, mostly online, so I’m still reading I guess. But I’ve so many books - more, now, some bought, some gifted - that I’ve not read. And, it feels bad. My bookshelf is full of books I haven’t yet read, they’re piling up on my windowsill and in my drawers too.

I’m going to keep going here, though. I might change things up a bit, change the formatting or something just so posts feel less formal to post.

I’m going to change my resolution, as well. My first year was 6 books, but 12 seemed impossible. I see people reading over a hundred books a year which seems like a monster of a task. Next year, I’m just going to stick to something achievable. Six books. Like the good old days.

I’ve seen the Goodreads app, so I’m hoping that might help motivate me. And I’m following more book-centred creators online (like Jack Edwards on YouTube) which I’m praying will help.

It’s so weird, wanting to read but seemingly being unable to pick up a book. But I really want to keep trying, to keep going.

So, here’s to 2022. Wishing you guys all the best,

“I’m glad I don’t have to wait to read the second book of the series” he said, before not reading the second book of the series.

[Image descs: Left image: Text reading “My Favourite Murder” (logo of the podcast) above author names “Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark” in pink, typewriter font. Below is the subtitle, ‘A dual memoir by the creators of the #1 hit podcast’. In the bottom third is the title, “Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered’ in white font, ‘The definite how-to guide’ circled in pink sitting beside.

Middle image: Art by Megan Lara of the podcasters and authors, both sitting atop stools facing each other. Left is Karen, right is Georgia. Behind is an altar-looking piece, with the title inscribed. By their feet is a siamese cat - Elvis - and a small pile of books. At the base of the art is the chapter title, ‘Let’s Sit Crooked & Talk Straight’.

Right image: Art by Danyell Adams; Image of a denim back pocket, with the chapter title - and popular catchphrase of the podcast - “Fuck Politeness” sewn in calligraphy-style text. These images are my own.]

It’s been a little while, but I’m here with an update! Eldest, the sequel to Eragon, has been sitting by my bed, ready to read, and I simply put it off, something I’m unfortunately great at.

Feeling in the mood to read but not in the mood for a fantasy book, I picked up Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered, the joint auto-biography of Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark who, among many other things in their lives, host the podcast My Favourite Murder.

I fell in love with the podcast back at the beginning of Corona. College was over, work was shut, I was at home with nothing to do while my father and brother all continued to work. My mother was stuck at home, considered high-risk. It was during the weekly shopping trips that I delved into the podcast, half-thinking it would be garbage and not live up to my expectations.

Cut to a year and a half later, I’m well and truly hooked. And this book is only making me fall deeper into the rabbit hole.

The introductory chapter, Let’s Sit Crooked & Talk Straight, written by Karen, was a lighthearted beginning to the book, detailing the beginning of their journey into the podcast. As I’m reading, I can hear Karen talking. It’s comfortable, it’s familiar. It’s like talking to a friend. Even from the introduction, I can tell this isn’t going to be like some fact-filled biography about someone’s life.

In the first chapter, Fuck Politeness, Georgia speaks about being raised the way most women are: to be polite, to smile through even the worst situations. She opens up about her struggle with an eating disorder, the time she missed red flags and didn’t fuck politeness, and how she used that to learn and how to holster ‘fuck politeness’ as a weapon (a metaphor I’m taking from the book). She talks about how being polite is ingrained in so many people who are, or who were raised as, young women. About how it’s not something you can just ignore straight away, it’s something you have to unlearn slowly, but that it’s something we need to do, and that its okay and right to do. Reading it hit close to home, as did several other things she discussed in the chapter.

Karen’s input for the chapter talks about her mum, Pat, who was the essence of ‘fuck politeness’. Karen uses the chapter to tell us about her amazing mother, delving into her battle with Alzeihmer’s and how it affected the family. It’s one of those things that affects more families than you think, and having insight into such a hard-hitting time for those involved is indescribable. It might be that I understand, kind of. When Karen talks about her mum in the later stages, I think of my nan being the same way, doing the same thing. I’m not even necessarily close with her, but it’s a harsh and relatable reality. I was near tears at the end of the chapter.

Thanks for reading,

I finished Eragon!

[Image desc: Front cover of Eragon by Christopher Paolini. The background image is of a blue dragon’s face, with bright blue eyes. The lower third features the author’s name above the title, both in silver lettering. At the bottom of the cover is text: ‘Book one in the Inheritance Cycle’ in white font and all caps.]

Yes, I know my last post was me starting the book. I actually had a post on drafts with an update that I kept forgetting to post, and then I went ahead and finished the book!

Eragon is such an amazing book. The entire way I was hooked. It’s so well written and is so interesting. I’ve so many questions I can’t wait to have answered in the rest of the series. I’ve been bugging my friend with all my theories and revelations.

The author pays such amazing attention to the detail of the world around our protagonist - Eragon - as he explores the world outside his small home for the first time in his life and is thrown into a world of dragons, magic, and a whole lot more. And not just in the way he maps the physical world, but the languages and societies of the different races, the history, the inter-racial relations. It’s so, so amazing. The only times when I felt lost or confused was when it was purposeful - when Eragon was also clearly feeling that way.

The pacing of the plot is great as well. A large part of the story is Eragon travelling through this vast country, yet not once was it boring. There was always something around the corner, good or bad, which keeps you invested. Something’s always happening or being revealed and it’s hard to get bored. Last night I stayed up until 3am reading, and finished the final forty or so pages today. I only stopped because it was so late.

The ending too was amazing. It was suspenseful enough to make me excited to read the next book, yet not so much to leave me unsatisfied. I’m glad I don’t have to wait to read the second book of this series!

Thanks for reading!

Maybe I shouldn’t have but I bought a few books recently, I thought I should share what I got with you guys.

[Image desc: The cover of Eldest by Christopher Paolini. The cover image features the face of a red dragon facing towards the ‘camera’. In the bottom third is the author’s name, and then the title, both in a gold print. At the bottom of the cover is writen ‘Book two in the inheritance cycle’ in white print.]

Firstly is Eldest by Christopher Paolini. It’s the sequel to Eragon which I’m currently reading, and the second book in the ‘Inheritence Cycle’ series. This was actually a gift from a friend - the same friend who bought me the first book. I’m pretty excited to get into the series. So, if the first book doesn’t leave me too broken-hearted then I’ll be reading this soon!

[Image desc: The cover of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. The cover is black, feautirng a minimalist side-drawing of a person in a red dress and white cap. At the bottom half of the skirts of the dress is the title in black font. The author’s name is in the top-left corner in white.]

Secondly is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I haven’t seen the TV series made for this book and I don’t know a whole lot about the world it’s set in, but I know it’s been really popular and I think it’ll be an important read!

[Image desc: The cover of How to Save Our Planet by Professor Mark Maslin. The author’s name is featured in the top left corner, oppposite the penguin logo. The title is in bold black front in the middle-left of the page. Below is a subtitle, ‘The Facts’ above three minimal images; a forest fire, a flood, and a sapling.]

Next is How to Save Our Planet  by Prof. Mark Maslin. I picked this up at a local bookstore when I was buying The Handmaid’s Tale. I think it’s going to be a lot of hard-hitting facts about climate change which will be interesting to read. It’s not too long but I imagine it’s filled with info and advice so I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’ve been interested in climate change and saving the environment for a few years. Unfortunately the past year kind of stunted me in that but hopefully the next few months and years will definitely be a lot brighter!

[Image desc: Cover of Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles. On a textured blue background: the title at the top third of the page, and the author’s name in the bottom. Between the two is a heart-shaped bow strung with an arrow. The text and the image are all white, save for the bloodied tip of the arrow.]

Following that is The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I’ve seen quite a bit of discussion about this online [honestly it was on TikTok but nevertheless] and I was really curious, so I went ahead and bought a copy. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to leave me sobbing but I’ll have to let you guys know once I finally read it! 

[Image. desc: Cover of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. The image on the cover is of a red pick-up truck parked in the bottom-front-let facing the horizon. In the night sky above is the text in flowing white font, with the author’s name in yellow print beneath. Surrounding the title name is a series of ‘doodles’; leaves, a skull, glove, flowers, books, etc. On the right of the cover are four circular awards-stickers.]

Finally, I bought Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. I’ve been meaning to buy this book foryears. I think someone I used to follow online had a quote from it in their bio and so I’ve been really curious since. I finally got around to buying it so I’m pretty pumped to read it!

I bought The Song of Achilles and Aristotle and Dante online at the Book Depository [linked here]. It’s UK based and offers pretty good deals on books, however it was bought out by Amazon in 2011. If you want to avoid Amazon, then the UK-based World of Books is one of the biggest second-hand book retailers, and they do ship worldwide! [Linked here] I haven’t used them before but I’ve heard some glowing reviews of them!

See you around!

Hello again!!

[Image desc: Left image: Front cover of Eragon by Christopher Paolini. The background image is of a blue dragon’s face, with bright blue eyes. The lower third features the author’s name above the title, both in silver lettering. At the bottom of the cover is text: ‘Book one in the Inheritance Cycle’ in white font and all caps.

Right image: An image of a double-page spread map inside the book. Towards the north and north-east is forest area, namely labelled Du Weldenvarden. The south and south-east is a mountainous area, labelled Beor Mountains. The west features coastline, with more mountainous area towards the north west. In the centre, and taking up most oif the map, is the Hadarac Desert.]

After finishing Four, I decided to pick up Eragon by Christopher Paolini. I was actually given this book by a friend years ago - a reoccuring theme unfortuantely - but never got round to reading it. 

In my first sitting, I read only 50 or so pages. Later that day I got through a further 100 pages. And then another 50 pages here and there brings me up to page 240, the beginning of chapter ‘Master of the Blade’,  which is about halfway through the book. 

The long and short of it is that I can’t put this book down. Eragon is the story of a young boy who finds a dragon’s egg. The prologue to the story was a bit strange to follow; lots of interesting species and monsters being introduced all at once. However the main story is incredibly well-written. Eragon, the protagonist of our story, is thrust into the world of dragons and magic, and we learn about the world around him just as he does. 

The writing style is so comfortable to read, I think that’s the best way to describe it. Paolini writes the world in a way that makes everything seem so familiar; very rarely am I left confused about who someone is, where the characters are, or what the hell is going on. 

When I told my friend I had started reading this, she actually went ahead and bought the sequel for me [a birthday gift, not just out of the blue!] so I’m sure I’ll be reading that once I’m finished with this. I’m not sure how long that will take, but seeing as I’m officially done with my Uni work for the year, I’ll have a lot more time on my hands!

Thanks for reading!

I mentioned in my previous post [#45] about the Attack on Titan manga. This year I am - for no logical reason - not going to be including manga in my book count, and probably won’t feature any manga as my main reads for the year, although I could certainly talk about it for far too long.

I think mainly it’s because I can get through a manga book in twenty minutes. Also there’s the fact that I read manga mostly online; far too much and far too often. Frankly it’s a problem and my studies have definitely suffered, but that’s not the point. 

If I’m including manga books - physical manga books - in my book count, I’m already up to seven out of twelve for the year. As for all the ones online, the count is really unknown.

If people want to hear about the manga I’m reading as well, then I don’t mind posting about it in more detail. Althought I don’t know if I can physically post that much, that often. I mean, seriously, I’m three volumes deep in the Attack on Titan manga - the anime of which I’ve seen - and I could go on for days about it. In fact, I think my friends are suffering because of it.

So. Guess I just wanted to clear the air about that! I’ll try to get into posting more if I can, and again thank you so much for still staying by this blog despite my absence!

So... it’s been a while! 

[Image discs: Left: The cover of Four by Veronica Roth. The top half of the cover depicts the silhouette of a man looking over a cityscape, with the phrase ‘One choice will free him...’ to the left in silver lettering. The title is centered below this, subtitled as part of the Divergent collection, and the author’s name at the bottom of the cover.

Right: Four by Veronica Roth open to the contents page, listed below are: Introduction, The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son, The Traitor, “First Jumper - Tris!”, “Careful, Tris”, and “You Look Good, Tris”. These images are my own.]

So I’ve been absent for a while, that’s not something I can ignore. But I’ve been reading, just a little here and there. It’s not that I couldn’t find the time, I won’t lie. 

Regardless, I just finished up Four by Veronica Roth. It’s kind of a prequel [for lack of better term] to the Divergent series. Divergent was one of my favourite series growing up and I’ve wanted to read this book for years. A close friend bought me this after I mentioned it off-handedly to her, and it took me stupidly long to get to. 

The book follows the character Four - whom we also know as Tobias Eaton from the main series - in four major events, most of which take place before he meets Tris - the protagonist from the main series. 

I’ll try not to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil it for fans like me who took way too long to get to this book. But it was really, really amazing to be able to see the world Roth created from Four’s point of view. The book answered some questions - big and small - that were raised during the first book in a natural way. There were several times when I had a lightbulb moment as puzzle pieces fit together. 

The main Divergent series is, of course, told through Tris’ eyes, as does the film series. It’s refreshing to be able to see into Four’s mind, how he thinks and feels, how he fits more intimately with the action from the main series. While we learn about who he is and why he’s in Dauntless during Tris’ story, it’s different to be able to see how that affects him during his initiation into the faction, and how it affects his choices, his actions, everything leading up to, and after, meeting Tris.

Just like in the main series, the relationship between Tris and Four isn’t the main theme throughout, however in some moments it is more pronounced. And this isn’t a bad thing. The scenes between the two are chosen and placed in a manner which allows us, the readers, to see the impact that Tris has on Four, and it was really enjoyable to see him change - even in little ways - because of her, and to see him react to how she grows as a result of her time in Dauntless. 

The main four stories of the book bring us up to the main action of the Divergent book, so I’m itching to go back to the main series. I’m a little mad that I’m away at university, as I can’t simply reach for the book series. 

The book also includes three short scenes from the Divergent book, this time told from Four’s perspective. These scenes are only a few pages, not much compared to the four main stories of the book, but it was nice that they were included. Three moments where Tris and Four interacted, at differing stages of their relationship. Fans of the series are obviously well-acquainted with Tris’ perspective, so seeing Four’s thoughts in these scenes was interesting. 

Reading this book has given me a new appreciation for Tobias/Four. Although he certainly wasn’t an underdeveloped character in the main series, being able to have this deeper insight into his character is something I really appreciate as a fan of the series.

Something else that I’d like to mention is how easy it was to read this book. And that’s probably simply because it’s a modern book, written for a young adult audience. The language wasn’t something you’d find in those heavier King books or old, classic novels. And I liked that. It’s not something profound to pick up on, but I thought it’d be worth a mention. It just felt a lot easier to get into because the level of vocabulary used was comfortable, something I use on daily basis. If you’re like me that that regard, then this book might be worth a read. And if you’re a Divergent  fan this book is certainly worth the read. Goodness knows why I spent so long waiting to read it, I’m definitely an idiot for that!

So, what next? Either I’ll be reading Call Me By Your Name by Andre Acimen, or Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Other than the first four volumes of the Attack on Titan manga, I only packed three books when I came back to Uni after Easter so my selection is quite limited.

Thank you for reading, for sticking with me even in this huge absence, and for following the blog!

Back again with The Picture of Dorian Gray, and I finally finished it!

[Image desc: Cover of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Covering the top 3/4 of the page is a painting of a man in a white suit with a deep red tie, leaning against a mid-high wall with columns. The bottom half is black, featuring the author’s name in orange above the book title in white. This image is my own.]

Today I read from chapter XVIII to the end of the book, and I’ll be honest, the end was not what I was expecting at all! As with my last couple of posts, spoiler warning for the end of the book, and TW for mention of suicide and death.

In the last section of the book, we see Dorian growing more conscious of his ‘sinful’ acts and his wish to become a better person. We learn he had a short romance with a girl out in the countryside. It didn’t end well, he left her one morning without warning, but perhaps he knew it was better for her not to get close to him, given what had happened to Campbell and Hallward. 

The book comes to a close with Dorian looking at his painting once more, his mind running with what he could do to escape the secrets he holds and the actions he committed. The painting being the only shred of evidence left, he wishes to destroy it. Taking a knife to the painting, in some shredded twist of fate he is the one wounded. His painting hangs on the wall above him, now back to showing the former glory of the man it encapsured, the body dead on the floor now holding the grotesque features which the painting once held. 

The ending really surprised me. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a book that, while I’ve heard it discusessed, I’ve never had any idea what takes place. Somehow, after years on the internet, not once did I run across a discussion of the events and I never covered it at school. While the events of the few chapters leading to the end should have given me some inclination that something big was going to happen, I never really took a second to think about it. Maybe I was wrong in not doing so?

It certainly was a strange ending, although a fitting one. For years Dorian had lived without facing consequences; his body didn’t alter as if he had become the painting. The painting changed in his place, growing old, showing expressions which might make one shudder, and ultimately being covered with the blood of those who died because of Dorian. Dorian entrusted his soul to the painting - in some sense, and unknowingly - so he could live and enjoy life’s pleasures freely. When he went to ‘kill’ the painting, he killed his soul in the process, leaving his body to die too. 

Learning about Dorian’s death didn’t really have me saddened as I might with another character, but it certainly had me shocked, even wowed a little. Maybe I lack foresight for not being able to see it coming, but I certainly enjoyed it.

If you’re still reading this but haven’t read TPoDG, would I recommend you do so? Perhaps. Personally, I really enjoyed Wilde’s style of writing and the flowing descriptions which caesed to amaze me [and caesed to have me googling definitions]. But I’ll admit, they were a little long, some parts felt a little slow and a few times I found myself forcing myself to keep reading. I do think it’s an interesting read, and definitely for the person looking to get into older works. If you’re like myself, someone raised on modern and fast-paced books, I wouldn’t put it to the top of your reading list [but do definitely consider it if you have time!].

I’ll be back soon with another book! Thank you for reading, stay safe!

Hello again as we return to the intriguing world of Dorian Gray!

[Image desc: Left image: Cover of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Covering the top 3/4 of the page is a painting of a man in a white suit with a deep red tie, leaning against a mid-high wall with columns. The bottom half is black, featuring the author’s name in orange above the book title in white.

Right image: The book opened to the title page for Chapter XVIII, with some text from the beginning of the chapter and the previous page in shot. These images are my own.]

Today I read from chaper XIV through to chapter XVIII, where Dorian begins to fall a little further into the clutches of, what could be, insanity. Again, a formal spoiler warning and TW/CW for mentions of suicide.

We see the return of James Vane - brother to Sybil Vane, who Dorian saw for a whlie at the beginning of the book, and who committed suicide after he ended the relationship - who wishes to avenge his sister. Although he is immediately swayed by Dorian’s appearance - since it has been so long since his sister passed and the man before James is a young man barely over 20 - he still stalks Dorian, appearing once at a dinner party, peering in through the conservatory window, and again at a hunting party [however it was only learned that he was present after being accidentally shot, and his identity was unknown to the rest of the party.]

Throughout these few chapters, Dorian is more surrounded by death. We see James Vane shot and Alan Campbell - who Dorian calls to remove Hallward’s body - commits suicide. Dorian also discusses with Lord Henry Wotton the idea of death and what parts of it they fear. Dorian also tries to admit that he killed someone however Lord Henry doesn’t believe it for a second; it becomes clear for a second that Dorian cannot admit to such a thing because ‘it isn’t fitting of his character’ [not a direct quote]. There doesn’t seem to be way for him to admit to his crime, for him to clear the air about the mystery of Hallward’s disappearance and to be free of one of the secrets which consumes him and drives him, possibly, closer to the edge of insanity.

Hi there! Sorry I’ve been a little inactive recently, but I’m back to reading The Picture of Dorian Gray!

[Image desc: Left image: Cover of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Covering the top 3/4 of the page is a painting of a man in a white suit with a deep red tie, leaning against a mid-high wall with columns. The bottom half is black, featuring the author’s name in orange above the book title in white.

Right image: The Picture of Dorian Gray opened at Chapter XIV, with the beginning of the chapter in view. These images are my own.]

Today I read from Chapter XII through Chapter XIV. I suppose this is a formal spoiler warning for those who haven’t read the book yet. I’ll be discussing the events quite directly so please be warned. I’d still implore you to read it if you enjoy older works, I have really enjoyed Wilde’s writing style and I’m sure many others do, and will, too.

A lot of the book so far has been about Dorian living a flamboyant lifestyle, hinting at acts of ‘sin’, a lifestyle which people of his class would look down upon. However in these two chapters the pace changed a little, and in interesting and unexpected twist happened.

We finally meet Basil Hallward again, and, to my surprise, Dorian invites him to see the painting; the painting which has change with age and sin in place of Dorian. I suppse it was surprising because Gray had taken such great measures to ensure the light of day didn’t see this painting, however in hindsight it seems right that one takes the creator of such an image to show the unnatural changes to it. 

Seeing Hallward’s reaction to the painting was interesting. The reader is exposed to and learns of the changes as Dorian does; it’s strange, intersting, and a little exciting at first I think, but as the book goes on, we become used to the fact that changes are occuring to the painting in place of to Dorian and simply find interest in what changes occur. Hallward isn’t just reacting to the fact that the painting has changed - which is of course a strange and shocking event, truly confusing - but also the horrific changes which have taken place, taking it in all at once as opposed to the gradual exposure we, the readers, and Dorian have had.

Here’s another spoiler warning just in case! 

What came as even more of a surprise was when Dorian murdered Basil Hallward. Again, looking back it makes sense for Dorian to do such a thing; Basil created a painting which has become so grotesque, become the bane of Dorian’s life, it’s understable - almost -why Dorian does it. There’s the added fact that Basil’s lips might not be sealed and it would be sandalous - if that’s the right word? -  for such a thing to get out. Even though why it took place is understandable, it’s still really shocking to read. Yes, Dorian is a man who does things which are ‘unspeakable’ or ‘sinful’, but throughout the book, not once did he seem like the person who would do such a thing. And maybe that’s the point, that this painting drove him to such insanity that he did such a thing. Even looking back on it, it doesn’t seem right.

I’m very excited to see what happens next!

Sorry again for being so inactively recently, I hope you all are staying safe and well!

Diving into my second year of this blog! Unfortunately I’d been working on some Uni coursework but I finally managed to get back to The Picture of Dorian Grey!

[Image dead: left image: cover of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey. The cover features a painting of a young man wearing a white suit leaning against a pillar.

Right image: The Picture of Dorian Grey open to the beginning of chapter XII. These images are my own.]

Didn’t read too much today, just from page 128 through to the end of the chapter.

Grey’s currently living an extremely lavish lifestyle; a prim and proper gentleman by day and a sinful character by night. Pages of him turning from one high-class hobby to the next, deep descriptions of his expensive interests as he lives a wild and relentless lifestyle. Followed, soon, naturally by his curiosity about the painting he seems to have swapped souls with.

Something I really enjoy about this book is learning about the decay of Dorian’s portrait. Obviously I understand the explanation behind it, but it just interests me to see how the picture ages and shows the consequences of Dorian’s lifestyle. I think I’ve also said before how much I enjoy Wilde’s style of writing. His descriptions are immense, honestly breathtaking in the way things are described. Long, rambling sentences flow naturally, something I envy greatly as an essay-writer!