I just finished “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and near half or shortly after, I felt like I was pushing to wrap it up.
I liked the book! I enjoy good villains and books that focus on them, antihero stories. I was pleasantly surprised, given when it was written, it wasn’t all lofty over-descriptive pages. I enjoyed the conversations that where happening between the characters, finding the sarcastic jokes at others’ expense and snarky remarks pretty funny.
There was something that just felt… unpleasant to get through. I’m not entirely sure what it was. A chapter in the middle maybe threw me off. Wildly long descriptions of mundane things, while giving an overview as to Dorian’s interests without really setting scenes. Just narration. Lofty. I was relieved when the next chapter shifted back to what I’d come accustomed to for the book. I think I was weary to get another chapter like it, and it made me apprehensive of the rest. But I was curious as to how the story played out, so pressed on.
“It was a good book.” I’d tell others with a nod and shrug. Sure, I’d suggest it. Maybe with a hint of caution as to what to expect. “But stick with it, it’ll come on back through.”
I liked it, but just wanted to get to the end. What a book like that that you’ve read? What was your hang-up on the book?
by SomethingToStart