The Picture of Dorian Gray follows the enigma of Dorian Gray’s beauty and explores the face of his youth and innocence coexisting with his underlying corruption. Basil Hallward, a dear friend of the young Dorian Gray, is enraptured by his beauty and refuses to paint anyone else except him. However, his most recent piece serves to do more than simply encompass the true magic of Dorian’s youthful features but has morphed into a part of Dorian himself. Although there is not one person entranced by the seemingly impossible ability for Dorian to remain immaculate in his beauty, he grows to suffer from his corruption and the painting that ages without him.

This horror novel resonates with every reader and remains a classic because of its exploration of youth and beauty and its decay, with influences by the floating world. The writing is touching and incomparable. The story is irreplaceable in its haunting but immensely interesting plot.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves the creepy subset of horror or has yet to be introduced to the classics. This is an amazing gateway novel to much more of the genre.

In case you find yourself loving this book the way I do, I recommend Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and, for younger readers, The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.