Dorian: A Sequel to the "Picture of Dorian Gray" by Jeremy Reed

by Jeremy Reed

A stunning reimagining of a classic novel by Oscar Wilde.

Genres: LGBT

Paperback

First published January 11, 2001

Reviews

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jeremy Reed is a poet, essayist and novelist who early in his career (in the 1980s) won a number of prestigious prizes for his poetry including Eric Gregory, Somerset Maugham and National Poetry awards. His poetry has attracted praise from the likes of Pete Doherty, Bjork, Richard Hall, Edmund White and Seamus Heaney. I am mentioning this as a prelude to what is going to be an uncomplimentary review because I want it to be clear that I am not ignorant of the awards or praise his poetry attracted, at one stage. I am passing no comment on his poetry, only work as a novelist.

Mr. Reed has not attracted any awards or praise for his novels, which is not surprising, because he has no talent for writing novels and Dorian, like some of his others, manages to be a torturous, long and boring read even though it is only 150 odd pages. It also has the distinction of being risible and absurd without being funny, or even amusing enough to cause a raised eyebrow or provoke a wry smile.

Dorian is supposed to be a continuation or a sequel to Wilde's Portrait of Dorian Gray but aside from borrowing (and I am being restrained in saying filching) the names of characters from Wilde's novel there isn't anything to link the two. Certainly Reed's prose is too leaden and dull to even pretend to claim any Wildean influence. To be clear, this is not a reimagining of the original story of Dorian Gray such as Will Self did with his novel 'Dorian: an Imitation'.

It is excerably, stupidly banal and fatuous - a complete waste of time. Unless you are a Jeremy Reed aficionado avoid this novel at all cost.

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read.

[Oscar Angeloni · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was always going to be disappointing. An unofficial sequel to a classic written by one of the greatest minds to walk the earth. Also, for this reason alone - the book should never have been published.

Getting more of those characters was a great feeling and the concept of Dorian meeting Oscar Wilde was the sole reason for me reading this book.

The character arc for Dorian is completely bizarre and not what you would expect after reading A Picture of Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde's involvement in this book is for about three pages which makes me feel very mislead.

I wouldn't waste my time again, read a summary and find out what happens.

[Eli]

This book has not proved to be very popular, and that is with very good reason. It's an unimaginative re-imagining of the Picture of Dorian Gray as occurring in contemporary times, complete with the beautiful, immortal Dorian as the center of attention in a gay BDSM club. The very premise of the book, that Dorian survived whilst his secret brother died in his place, is implausible enough. Then comes the 20th century trappings and the assumption that Sibyl Vane is Dorian's half-sister (which is unfounded). The overbearing narrative style contrasts the ever-so-subtle one utilized by Wilde, especially in terms of sexuality and the relationship between Wotton and Gray. Overall, a novel best left ignored and forgotten.