This Wretched Beauty

Remixed Classics #10

by Elle Grenier

Happiness needs to be earned in the face of impossible odds, or there’s no beauty in it.

London, 1867. Dorian Gray is the heir to a title and their family’s estate, but they’ve never been given the chance to decide whether that’s actually what they want out of life. Forcibly estranged from their father by their manipulative grandfather, Dorian feels trapped in the life that has been decided for them.

Then one night they sneak out of their grandfather’s house, they meet a sweet and talented young painter named Basil, who immediately recognizes Dorian as his new muse. They agree to sit for Basil for a portrait, and Dorian is struck by the beauty and depth that Basil paints into their likeness—and they dare to begin hoping there might be more to life than being their grandfather’s perfect, empty-headed heir.

Dorian is further elated when Basil introduces them to the world of molly houses and drag performers—they’ve never seen such joyful variety of humanity and gender expression. But, as the barrier between the London they know and the one they're discovering begins to crumble, Dorian must face the fact that freedom and safety do not come hand in hand.

The aftermath of this realization pulls Dorian into a terrible downward spiral, torn between guilt over their own actions and hatred for the suffocating expectations of society. They push away those closest to them, surrounding themself instead with vapid courtiers and decadent socialites. And as Dorian’s spiral of self-loathing deepens, something strange happens—Basil’s portrait of them begins to change. Their smile becomes a little sharper, the glint in their eyes a little colder.

Dorian will have to choose—embrace the wickedness within and allow themself to become what they were always meant to be, or dare to try for something far more fragile and dangerous: a life of their own making.

Genres: Young Adult, Queer, Retellings, Historical Fiction, Historical, LGBT, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I haven’t read The Picture of Dorian Gray. I’ve heard about it, many times even, but actually read it? No. So I can’t compare The Wretched Beauty to Wilde’s novel directly. But it feels like this retelling is very, very close to it, and at the same time still so distinct.

Dorian feels different. It’s not fully clear at first why. But as the story unfolds, it becomes more and more apparent that Dorian doesn’t always feel comfortable in their male body.

If I had to compare this story to another, aside from Dorian Gray itself, I’d pick Annemarie McLemore’s Self-Made Boys, another remix—this time of The Great Gatsby. It’s the lush writing, the retelling but make it queer/trans, and the way both books seem to honor the original while transforming it to a whole new story.

The reason I’m not rating this beautiful retelling five stars is because, even though the writing is gorgeous, it sometimes slips into telling rather than showing. I frequently stumbled over words like realize and wonder, filter words that weren’t necessary. But aside from that, I loved this story and that ending was just perfection!

Thank you, Fiercereads and NetGalley, for this beautiful ARC!

Follow me on Instagram

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh take on Dorian Gray centering a queer and trans main character who is pushed into difficult circumstances in their quest to live as themselves. Lord Dorian Gray is a teen heir to a wealthy estate, but their grandfather expects traditional masculinity from them. While having their portrait painted, they meet a man that introduces them to underground Molly clubs where cross-dressing is common and men are with other men. Dorian decides he wants to discover all sides of himself, even if it means hurting those around him, and watching his portrait change as he never ages.

I think what's interesting about this version of the story is it offers a different perspective on what were considered the "sins" of Dorian Gray, in context of a homophobic society that didn't offer a lot of safe places for queer and trans young people. Dorian must confront their own sense of shame over who they are in order to be free. The audio narration is gorgeously done. I received an audio copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an arc from Libro.FM

I’ve considered Elle a friend for a long time and I am so so SO happy to see all the effort they’ve put in over the years come to fruition in such a phenomenal way!
Simply put: this is an incredible book. The writing is so lyrical in a way that feels both historical but approachable? If the author revealed on launch day that she’s actually a time traveler and that’s how they got such a specific voice down, I’d believe it. I can see the writing style being divisive for people in the target age range but I also know that there are plenty of moody gothic teens who will find their lives changed for the better after stumbling across this in a library. I fully see this spurring a legion of Byronic trans kids into devotion for everything Elle writes going forward and I support her in amassing an army.

So yeah, pick this up asap!!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I felt real. Alive. As if I weren't some ghost in the shape of a future lord, but a fire crackling in every direction, warming and fascinating those who came near me; an open flame unrestrained by any hearth, free to blaze as bright as it could dream."

The Wretched Beauty is replete with incredibly beautiful descriptions and deep emotions. I love that these Remixed Classics are so inclusive of other life experiences and types of people, young folks deserve stories that represent them. The addition of queer characters of different genders and orientations was beautifully woven together. Any young readers (and, coincidentally, any adults like myself who love LGBTQIA+ inclusive literature and classics) who may not fit into the traditional gender binary will probably love the representation- I was thrilled at the inclusion of trans masc and trans femme characters.

There are also plenty of characters whose explicit orientations we aren't told (makes sense, given the terms weren't in existence at the time when the story is set) but they most certainly are of the queer persuasion. In the words of Basil: "If it's of any comfort to you," Basil dodges, "I enjoy women just as much. people are uniquely delightful creatures-why would I limit myself to half the scope of treasures this world has to offer?"

Yet another book I would've LOVED to have encountered as a young person. It's so important for literature like this to exist. It's a huge bonus that this is both a richly beautiful and monstrous retelling, exactly as it should be.

Thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Children's Publishing, and especially Elle Grenier for this ARC, it's truly wonderful.

[Christiana Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize I loved this book until it was over. I am bereft. I wanted it to keep going.

If you loved A Portrait of Dorian Gray and wouldn’t see it remixed this will not be for you, but if you’re open to exploring that story with a bit more compassion for our anti-hero I’d recommend this book.

Also, I may be reading this wrong, but there’s a certain amount of gender play going on that seemed so natural to Dorian’s character, I guffawed. Unsure of how Dorian might identify today, but I think it added to the overall character arc.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got to the Sybil section… I audibly went OH NO out loud

Pros:
- I am once again thrilled and delighted by how well the remixed authors’ writing manages to capture the time period of the original classic. The prose is decadent and effusive in a way that surely would make Oscar Wilde proud
- I really love the choices that were made with Dorian; they’re so human and scared and ashamed and really brought the character to life
- speaking of Dorian— GENDER FUCKERY!! Yes!!! It fits so well!!!
- as a life-long Henry hater, I appreciate how much this book shits on him. Like yeah, drag him to hell, he deserves it 💅
- Basil!!!! Basil beloved, best character of the original, and best character of this. I loved loved loved him!!!
- the introduction of the grandfather and having him be a large part of Dorian’s arc was so satisfying. It gave weight and reason to Dorian leaning heavily into more hedonistic tendencies, the pendulum swinging for balance and going too far the other way
- Étienne and Fabián fabulous additions as well, but also :((
- the ENDING!!! I didn’t know where it was gonna end up so I was TENSE but then I was :)))

Cons:
- this isn’t necessarily a con, but since this is YA I do want to note that the more Victorian-esque writing style does drag the narrative a little. It’s well done but if you don’t particularly like that style of writing, it might be a little annoying to you
- this is a classic note I have, but after 250 pages of sad and bad, I do want a little longer of a wrap up! Only a teeny tiny bit longer though, Grenier gave us a very good pay off

Overall:
VERY happy with this!! I really loved how much gender play featured and the discussion of the limitations of language and societal expectations and feeling wrong and bad and evil just because of the way you are. All of it just chef’s kiss

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy!

4.5/5

[rachel x]

"This transfeminine YA remix of The Picture of Dorian Gray sees Dorian moved to jealousy towards her own portrait not only by vanity, but also a sudden awareness of the young man she’s expected to become, leading her through a dark web of obsession, paranoia, and terror as her portrait starts to change in her place"

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! When the journey to self acceptance starts with a cursed portrait, a boy quietly yearning for you on the sidelines, self destructive behaviour, a manipulative relationship with a man who wants to trophy wife you, and ends with setting fires and fleeing into the night.

Thank you Titan Books for the early copy!

The OG intolerable (positive) queer MC of my heart Dorian Gray gets a stunning trans retelling, full of self discovery, reflections, and examinations of the importance of art and how it is a vehicle for visibility and perspectives which help people feel less alone. This is precisely why books are considered threats to people who seek to isolate and contain.

THIS WRETCHED BEAUTY is a gorgeous, gothic and atmospheric consideration of trauma and what happens when the language to convey one’s own identity is withheld. The impact of repression and forced conformity to societal expectations of gender and identity.

Dorian is the transfeminine heart of this story, as expected, and Dorian’s relationship with self, looks and identity is something that will hit so deeply for so many people, for anyone who has ever felt: unloved or ill-fitting in their own skin, resentful of people who seem self assured in their body/identity, self destructive, without the language to understand who they are, and fearful of what self acceptance means in the eyes of society: the conflict between being “safe” and being true.

I thought the portrayal of Basil and Henry was well done, and they offered much needed foils for Dorian’s internal work. The constant presence of Dorian’s grandfathers shadow and the internal demons was also a brilliant way of showing their mental decline. Rather than focus on the hedonistic nature of Dorian’s foray into depravity after meeting Henry, this focuses much more deeply on the psychological impact of Dorian’s repression, the undercurrent conflict inside them driving their need for affection and acceptance. This Dorian’s story centres on the sidelining of what is deemed “taboo” in society, and how damaging it is for people who don’t “fit” heteronormative and cis normative identities when it is only “acceptable” to be one’s true self in the shadows, in the dark and hidden away, illicit places of society.

[Bekah Mondy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I know the story of Dorian Gray, I haven't ever read the original story. That being said, this retelling made it easily accessible and felt as thought it breathed new life into a story that we all at least vaguely know while making it engaging for a new audience. I love the remixed classics series and this story fit into it well. It allows the audience to relate to Dorian and understand what position they're placed in while still holding onto the original setting and circumstances. This is a great retelling and a wonderful addition to the remixed classics series!

[isbah ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

- thank you netgalley for the arc ₊˚⊹♡

3.75 ⭐ "would it be enough to become a beautiful thing, rather than to create one"

"this wretched beauty" is a beautifully written t4t remix of the beloved classic the picture of dorian gray that explores the burden of expectations and the longing to uncover a missing part of you. i really enjoyed reading about elle grenier's take on dorian's character and how challenging gender dysphoria could be. i just overall really loved how they portrayed dorian & basil in this story!
i also liked how vivid the art scenes were written, along with how the painting showcased the freedom and image of herself that dorian had not known she was chasing until that moment.

some of my favorite quotes:

"maybe it's the comfort that would come from someone seeing me as thoroughly as he seems to and still finding something worth cherishing"

"art is a means of connection. i can guarantee you there is nothing i deem more indicative of intimacy and companionship than someone trusting me to paint them"

"time is not so gentle a painter as basil is"

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oscar Wilde's classic Gothic horror tale of an audacious young man in Victorian society, the companions he captivates, and the painting that is refuge to for his digressions gets a new perspective in “This Wretched Beauty.” The book goes beyond shifting the narrative's viewpoint of the talented painter Basil to the infamous Dorian Gray. It reframes the character of Dorian in a way that brings an even darker and more terrifying setup than the original's for his circumstance's plausibility in the era.

In this version, Dorian is the barely tolerated illegitimate child of a Lady from a good family and a young French galley owner. With his mother long gone,his father forbidden from contact, Dorian is suffocating under the Grandfather's impossible standards. Befriending a young artist who paints them, Basil, and his acquaintance, Lord Henry, that Dorian's monochromatic world is splattered with color. The two introduce Dorian to the forbidden entertainments of underground clubs with their lurid patrons who live freely there despite was is socially and legally acceptable.

Even as Dorian starts to contextualize themself as someone beyond the conventions of gender and love laid out for them. This revelation starts crystallizing a new sort of cage around them. After a terrible discretion Dorian flees his grandfather's manor. They tuck themself away from scandal in Lord Henry's country estate. Left to their own mind, the dark echoes born from years of criticism from Grandfather and the seeds from a new manipulator start to dig in. They work in conjunction with knowledge of their own culpability to claw every foul thought into Dorian's mind. Their marks don't leave traces on Dorian, but onto the portrait so skillfully rendered by Basil's hand.

Being a retelling of one of my favorite books, I was ecstatic to receive and ARC of this title from NetGalley. I was met with a book dripping in the same beloved stylistic lyrical voice of the time the original was written. Quickly it became an absolutely gut wrenching psychological game that chimed some personally familiar tunes. I have to applaud what in retrospect is the most obvious, but in the moment most brilliant, take on body dysmorphia I can recall.

At first I felt a certain lack in the narration. Then it dawned on me that the performer was deliberately restraining their performance. The at times borderline monotone reflected the distance and walls Dorian has mentally put up as a subconscious survival technique.

As a cisgendered person from a loving, stable, home I can't say I share all of the things that plague Dorian. Regardless, the commonalities etched in deep. I understand what it is to continually fixate on your self-perceived flaws and failures. The depiction of what I begrudgingly call 'brain demons' and the ongoing dance even after your lowest lows and see the other side tugged at my heart.

The underlying message of how harmful closing yourself off, assuming loved ones' opinions, and that we are often our worst enemies could have so easily been saccharine. “This Wretched Beauty” manages to keep that at bay with Dorian's ongoing healing process. The opening warns that those who have had some of Dorian's experiences could be triggered. I'd like to preface that it can also be a tool of teaching and being seen. With its sometimes gritty mix of realism, historical reminders, and through it all hope, his is a book I'll treasure.

[Ariela Strombeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, thanks so much to the folks at NetGalley for this ARC!

DNF at 35%

Please take everything I say with a grain of salt because I did not finish the novel. That being said, I ultimately could not bring myself to continue.

I love dense prose and gothic literature, especially novels that deal with the queer experience in historical settings, so theoretically This Wretched Beauty was right up my alley. Unfortunately this just lacked the narrative momentum and moral complexity to actually be compelling for me. For a story about individuals doing terrible things and those things rotting them from the inside out, this retelling unfortunately had very little actual doing.

The first 3rd of the book is extremely slow with little narrative momentum. Events occur, but the narrative lingers almost exclusively in the aftermath, focusing on characters philosophizing about why those events happened rather than allowing consequences or escalation to unfold. It makes for a read that is heavy on the internal monologue and deeply introspective but never feels like it has the obsession, danger, or sense of impending doom that characterizes so many works of gothic fiction.

I also think that the fact that this is YA changes it from a fable about moral rot and excess into a coming of age novel. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and I’m sure this will appeal to some readers, but it fundamentally changes some aspects of the story. For one thing, Basil (15), Henry (18), and Dorian (16) are all relatively young so it feels disjointed and odd when Henry is waxing poetic about the loss of youth and innocence, as if he himself is also not a young man. Henry’s interactions with Dorian read less as temptation and corruption via unhealthy power dynamic and more as teen peer pressure. The novel feels caught between making its characters accessible to a YA audience and indulging in, admittedly beautiful, gothic prose.

Certain aspects that should have felt eerie or disarming were not given the narrative attention early on to earn such a reaction. For example, after the portrait is finally completed Dorian immediately feels uneasy about it. This would make a lot more sense had Basil been shown to be more obsessive or a little older but he mainly acts like a young man with a crush (which to be fair can be obsessive in its own way). He is never threatening, just quietly intense. The fact that Basil is also 15 also undercuts Dorian’s discomfort because it’s like, bestie… that’s a child prodigy not Faust 😭. I also found it strange how Dorian jumps from feeling uncomfortable about being seen to being horrified by the painting. This transition could totally work if we saw more of a slow transition or (again) if Dorian were ‘corrupted’ by the influence of older characters. Instead, the leap is so quick that it feels jarring.

Similarly, the inclusion of Dorian’s grandfather, who is framed as an antagonist who Dorian fears becoming, didn’t really work for me. I completely understand him as a depiction of an abusive parental figure but the characterization felt a bit heavy handed in a way that simplified the themes of the story.

All in all, I commend the author for this. There is a lot to like in this novel it just wasn't for me unfortunately.

[K.C. Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to address this book on two different levels.

First, on its own merits: I love the concept of the story, and I appreciated Elle Grenier's insight re: why so many of the events takes place off-page. I get the choice to limit how much of the darker elements of the story we see firsthand, but I wish that there had been something to fill those gaps beyond page after page of Dorian's internal reflections. There is so much telling in this book, and every few scenes. As a result, Dorian often has very little agency, and the pace of the story is glacial. Some of these passages were really lovely, and Grenier framed this story as a slow burn, plotwise. But for me? I wanted a bit more momentum. I also wish that the consequences of Dorian's actions had more impact. For the majority of the story, the stakes felt very low. Why couldn't she have just left Thornhill at any? We're meant to believe that she was trapped there to some degree, but since Henry's actions are mostly confined to the reader's imagination, I wasn't entirely sold on this,

Second, as a reimagining of Dorian Gray: I'll be honest, not a huge fan of the original. I was excited to see this title added to the Remixed Classics collection. Interestingly, while I appreciated the more overt queerness of This Wretched Beauty, I kept hoping that this Dorian would take a bit more control of her life. Original Dorian is a pretty terrible person, but he gets things done. He leans into being a villain. This Dorian is almost painfully earnest and self-aware at all times, which left very little room for her character arc. The good news is that the Remix didn't include constant jump scares in the form of sexism and antisemitism, et. al. The bad news is that Dorian as a character felt a bit static throughout the story.

All of that said, this is Elle Grenier's debut novel, and her vision for the story is lovely. Having just read Wilde's novel a few days ago in preparation for this, I appreciated the threads that Grenier chose to highlight, and how this book engages in conversation with its predecessor. As another reviewer said, the Remixed Classics project isn't about retelling the original work with a single twist. They use the classics as jumping-off points. Grenier gives several of the original characters (and perhaps Oscar Wilde himself) a happier ending in this tale, while taking the solipsism and cruelty of other characters up a notch or ten. While the pacing and prose choices of this novel didn't all work for me, I look forward to seeing what Grenier does next, and I'm glad we got a transfeminine entry into this collection at last.

Thank you to NetGalley and F&F for the ARC of this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest with you guys. I read "transfemme Dorian Gray" and just about immediately smashed the request button.

Crushed by their future as an heir and the sting of their grandfather's scorn, Dorian sneaks out one night to his father's gallery where he meets Basil, a prodigious young painter, and agrees to model for him. One of these modeling sessions produces a striking portrait which Dorian quickly becomes fixated on, alongside the life he finds in London's molly houses and the attentions of Henry Wotton, but when Dorian does something unforgivable the portrait starts to change.

This book is just about what it says on the tin which is both a good thing and a bit of a let down. I've read The Picture of Dorian Gray and thought it was fine—good as far as classics go but not particularly memorable for me. This Wretched Beauty does a really amazing job emulating the tone and pace of the original, while smoothly incorporating more queer characters and a more hopeful message. The story ends up being a little mellow for my taste, because it doesn't hit all of those dramatic beats to the extent that I would like. Some of them are great! Basil revealing his origins was one of my favorite parts of the book. Other bits, such as the scene where Dorian realizes that the portrait is changing, fall a little flat. Still, I'm a huge fan of the remixed classics project and if you are a fan of the original, I think this does a great job emulating it. I also think it's really solid for a debut (and I think this is the only one of the remixed classics that's a debut)!

A lovely read that does the job! I look forward to seeing what Elle Grenier writes next!

Thank you to Elle Grenier and Feiwel & Friends for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

Happy reading!

[Bonnie Wolgamot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Dorian Gray has spent their entire life alone, under their grandfather's thumb, isolated and abused. When they meet Basil, a young artist, while sneaking out, Dorian is allowed to spend time with others for the first time, including Lord Henry Wotton, whom he meets while Basil is painting Dorian. As the three spend more time together, Dorian is introduced to a word of sin and excess - although they question whether society's idea of sin is always truly wrong. When police come to their door one night, Dorian lies and things begin to spiral out of control leaving Dorian afraid of people knowing their true self.

Review:
I quite enjoyed this book! I thought the prose was very beautiful and it felt very classical without losing any modern day accessibility. I found this book fascinating and in a sense, very well done, as I spent the entire time wanting to shout, "DORIAN NO, STOP!! Don't do it, that's just foolish!" and yet simultaneously understanding and empathizing with why Dorian was making terrible choices. I also LOVED the gender commentary and subtle plot, and I loved the twists with Sybil Vane from the original. My only wish was that the abuse Dorian had suffered at their grandfather's hands was a bit more overt - when Dorian was in the throes of thinking they were awful and unworthy of care, I would have to remind myself why they thought like that, as we hadn't read that experience. I also didn't love the time jump after Dorian arrived at Thornhill to that first party - it cut out so much of Dorian's "descent into depravity" that we were then just sort of expected to buy after an offhand remark about Dorian throwing away young men's hearts and hands, and I needed more for the ending to really land, I think.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.

[Astrophel R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an alc. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Genre: Historical Fiction
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅

Full disclosure, this is a re-imagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray which I have not read. Therefore, I am reviewing this book as it's own entity and not as based on it's interaction with the original source material.

Narration: 3/5 - I think the narration was well done, but it wasn't to my personal tastes. Jenet LeLacheur speaks in a very breathy whispery way which definitely felt fitting for the character and atmosphere, but I don't tend to enjoy that narration style. I did appreciate that she was very easy to understand though.

Characters: 4/5 - All of the characters are deeply flawed, and I think the exploration of those flaws was interesting.

Plot: 4/5 - I imagine this is pretty similar to the original plot of Dorian Gray, but it is such a juicy concept. The pacing felt a bit meandering at times, but it still held my interest.

Writing: 4/5 - LOVED the writing! The prose is beautiful and haunting in a way is perfect for a re-imagined classic.

Overall: This book is exactly what it's trying to be. Personally, while I really enjoyed it, it never really impacted me. However, I could easily see myself recommending this in the future.

* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or supporting characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the tenth book in the Remixed Classics series, in which “authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelmingly cishet, white, and male canon.” I haven’t read any of the other books in the series yet, but after enjoying this, I fully intend to.

Elle Grenier’s writing is beautiful, sensual, emotional—perfectly suited for a retelling of Oscar Wilde’s classic. Grenier keeps many elements of Wilde’s story (the loss of innocence, vanity, debauchery, and love triangle), but in a version that is openly, unapologetically queer. Dorian is nonbinary/transfeminine, and their desire to openly live and love as they please drives the plot. Dorian is not a good person and makes some truly terrible choices, yet their fears and longings are entirely relatable.

True to the original story, this book gets really dark at times, and there were a couple of scenes near the end that just gutted me. I’m giving this four stars because the story dragged a bit in the middle, and there were aspects of the final chapters that really didn’t sit right with me. However, I appreciated that this ending offered more hope than the original.

The audiobook production was excellent, and I loved the narration by Jenet Le Lacheur. Their narration perfectly suited this story, with good pacing, clear pronunciation, distinctive voices to suit each character, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works well as an audiobook.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Raegan · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I received this book for free through NetGalley & Goodreads in exchange for an honest review*

“Vices come out to dance with curiosities...”

The Picture of Dorian Gray is my all-time favorite book. This retelling does have a unique hook. He does put in effort to make attention-grabbing chapter titles. However, prose that can be seen as articulate is overshadowed by its meandering plot and characters. Dorian is always caught up in his own head. While he does have some interesting thoughts at times, I couldn't get into the book because of this. He comes off spoiled and too far left to be salvaged.

Putting in an “abusive” grandfather is not needed. Infidelity is promoted as well. This is not even remotely close to the original book. We have much younger children going to a molly house and commenting on prostitutes. Inappropriate and unfitting. I actually cannot stand the narrator.

This was the biggest letdown for a release for me. It is hard to appreciate the beauty when stupidity is running rampant. When you have a penis, you have no right to claim you know what it’s like to be a woman. Or to say you are one. It makes more sense to make Dorian just gay and not trans. What a shame to be so caught up in describing men in dresses that they fail to capture Wilde’s masterpiece.



And the audacity to kill Henry? Why bother even acting like this is similar to Oscar Wilde’s work?



Best quotes include the following:

“I know exactly how to appreciate a good woman...I seldom trouble you with the displeasure of my company. What more could you want?”

“I don’t always drink between sentences. Sometimes I smoke.”

“I have a great sense of decency, dearest, and simply no urge to exert it.”

[Sacha]

4 stars

Having read most of the Remix Classics collection, I've come to have high expectations for both the remixes and the authors that produce them. _The Portrait of Dorian Gray_ is so iconic that most people know critical elements of the text whether they've ever encountered the original material. With all of the incoming pressure, this book still exceeded anticipated outcomes.

Dorian experiences limitations on their freedom, particularly when it comes to living as their true self. Because this is a remix, Grenier reflects a modern aspect of identity that still connects to the original (do NOT miss the excellent author's note where Grenier shares more about this!). Once Dorian catches sight of the portrait, well, a whole new world of possibilities opens (and so does a big, unexpected situation, but that's only unexpected for the characters; the rest of us know what's coming).

I love the way Grenier develops a simultaneously fresh approach AND pays homage to the original material. While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel on its own, that aforementioned author's note really sealed the deal for me. Also, the audiobook narration is solid here and added a lot to my reading experience. I recommend this option when and where accessible.

In a group of works (the remixes) I've consistently enjoyed, this is a standout.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Fierce Reads, and Macmillan Audio for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Rebecca Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Goodreads Giveaway - ARC* Possible minor spoilers
Having read 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' I was very interested in the remix. While I feel Dorian in the original work by Oscar Wilde is a true villain (and an adult in his 20's) our Dorian here is only 16 and very naive and introspective. They are starving for love, affection, friendship. Given his life with his abusive grandfather (emotional, physical, verbal) he is very critical of himself. As the book progresses that pronoun will change to "herself". We see firsthand the intolerance, bigotry, and love of scandal prevalent in Victorian times. The hypocrisy of the times is utterly outrageous.

We are intimately connected to the changes in Dorian as this is first person POV - the selfishness (normal in a teen this age), the confusion, the hurt, the mistakes, betrayals, the guilt. The trading of one 'gilded cage' for another. Dorian's Innocence and lack of a safe place to really explore who they are sets her up to be groomed. I see so many correlations to today's youth.

I enjoyed the book and understand and respect the author's point in not being overly descriptive with depictions of abuse and its repercussions "not through the events themselves but the ripples in their wake". This makes more and more sense to me as I ponder the story. This is not a book of graphic or gratuitous sex or violence. It has heartbreak in it and it also has hope.

Thanks you Goodreads and Elle Grenier for the opportunity to read this book in advance.

[Cherie • bookshelvesandtealeaves · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Thank you Titan Books and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

At times this felt like it was trying too hard to imitate the original Dorian Gray, and at others it felt so watered down it was barely recognisable. Neither are qualities I want in a retelling.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my favourite classics, so I was really excited to read a (more) queer take on that, but almost everything about it fell flat.

The beginning was nice, and Dorian’s curiosity and subsequent exploration in gender identity and expression was really beautifully written. I loved some of her interactions with other people earlier in the story, and the writing really was very pretty.

But instead of growing from innocent to villainous, Dorian as a character just became small and sad and pitiful. As Basil points out, all the “bad” she does doesn’t come close to being evil, and while I wouldn’t have minded a softer, more sympathetic Dorian, we didn’t get that either. Dorian was profoundly unlikeable in a very dull way.

I also felt that the author’s decision to write mostly about Dorian’s thoughts and feelings instead of her actions and experiences did this story a disservice. The author’s note claimed they wanted the dynamics between the characters to imply what was happening behind closed doors, but this approach just did not work for me.

I liked the idea of the happy ending between her and Basil, but it didn’t feel earned and I didn’t get the impression either of them even particularly liked each other by that point in the story.

[Moth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC!
This Wretched Beauty is a YA retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, this time from Dorian’s perspective. If you’re unfamiliar with the story: A portrait is painted of a beautiful person named Dorian Gray. All of the bad things that Dorian experiences happen to the portrait while Dorian is physically unaffected.
This book was a phenomenal retelling, and I want it for my shelf (which is not something I say often). It diverted from the original story a fair bit, but maintained the same essence of queerness and emotional turmoil. The author also did a fantastic job at maintaining the vibe Oscar Wilde’s flowery yet gothic prose.
This version of the story is far more gender-queer (and sexuality-queer, but that’s straight from the original). Dorian’s pronouns shift slowly through the story, and there are several trans/gender non-conforming side characters.
I really loved the changes in this story. I think seeing the story from Dorian’s perspective made it that much darker and depressing. I especially liked (and hated) how Dorian’s relationship with Henry shifted from “mentor” to straight-up grooming. There is a lot of abuse in this story, but it is depicted with an incredible amount of gentleness and discretion.
If you, in any way, enjoy The Picture of Dorian Gray, you need to pick this up.

CW: queerphobia; toxic relationships; emotional abuse (partner, guardian); SA (very vaguely described); murder; drug & alcohol use

[Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who has read A Picture of Dorian Gray, I am pleasantly delighted by this remix from Elle Grenier. This Wretched Beauty, like other remixed novels, is a reimagined version of the original text that disestablishes the cishet, white, male canon. This novel leans into the LGBTQ+ narrative that is often speculated within the original. I much prefer Grenier’s Dorian over Wilde’s as they felt more relatable.

The relationship between Dorian, Basil, and Henry had me on the edge of my seat. I think it was very well done and the author does a good job at highlighting the dynamics without being too explicit. After all, what’s often overlooked are the effects that these types of relationships can have on a person. Throughout the novel, my heart kept breaking as Dorian continued to torture themselves with the portrait. The theme of mental illness was not overlooked as Dorian explored the world Basil introduces them to and grapples with accepting themselves.

I gave this novel a 4/5 rating because it was very well written and executed, but left me a bit unsatisfied. As far as being a remix of A Picture of Dorian Gray, the novel gets a 5/5 for that. I wish there was more romance in the novel, but understand why the author decided not to pursue that path. Looking forward to the publication and to hear about what others think of this book!

[Jada Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, Jenet LeLacheur did a BEAUTIFUL job narrating this.
The eloquence in the way this was portrayed was everything and more. Just so beautifully done.

As for the storyline, the layers were just wonderfully woven. Keeping the originality of Dorian Grey whilst adding a touch of Grenier. This fed my trans soul 🤍

“There was a version of me I once loved, flawed as she may have been, but I left her behind with all the souls that might’ve seen her.”

This was so felt. Very relatable. We as queer people go through so many stages of life, esp trans people, where we sort of shed our past to step into our truth.
Sometimes we’re lucky to bring along those in our past, but most are not.
Sometimes it’s a lonely transformation 🦋

It’s queer. It’s reflecting. It’s more than just a remix, it’s a message 🫶🏽

“I think that in order to truly see the world, we must observe it with eyes unclouded by our own perspectives, worldliness, I think, can only come from stepping outside one’s position in the world.”

“You did not sway me w/ your silence, you threatened me with the possibility of your speech.”

In this day of age, THIS ⬆️ is so important.
We will never be silenced ✊🏽

This was a wonderful take on a classic, yes, but the message it carried will be forever cherished.
A wonderful debut 💋

[Rae Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved The Picture of Dorian Gray, and was really excited to pick this up. I feel like it stayed true to the original story, while making our main character more understandable despite their questionable choices.

I really loved that this was a trans retelling and I feel like it made SO much sense! The characters were even more amazing in this version than the original (forever love Basil) and I feel like it was digestible while still covering all of the main points.

I saw others point this out, and I agree - the lyrical feeling narration and more Victorian style writing can definitely feel bogged down at times. While it was done well and felt authentic to the story, I do wonder how that will play since this is marketed as YA. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed.

I received an eARC and an ALC of this. I listened while I eyeball read, and while I did mention concern for the writing style in a YA format, it worked so well for immersive reading. I read this in one sitting, and felt like I was a fly on the wall the entire time. The narrator did a fantastic job and the audio pacing matched the tone well.

Thank you to Netgalley, Fiewel & Friends and Macmillan Audio for providing review copies. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader's copy review

I truly don’t know what to make of this book or how to do it justice in my review. All I can say it is this book embraces Wilde’s Dorian Gray in a way I didn’t expect. This book leans into darkness. It leans into the social pressures and commentary and the dangers and fears and how so much constant stress can destroy a person. One of my dislikes about Wilde’s Dorian Gray was how much of Dorian Gray’s character and actions were subtext; queer subtext that honestly went over my head at the time. But in this reimagining Grenier puts it all on the page, and the effect is emotionally devastating. It is a front seat the slow and painful decay of Dorian Gray as a human being. And as difficult as it was for me to read emotionally at times, it was also spectacularly well written. This retelling is a masterpiece in and of itself, not just a remix of one. So if you have made it through that rambling, I can more easily compliment the beguiling, atmospheric prose and beautiful, lovable Basil and the ending. Overall, I would recommend this.

Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[ab ! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

I have read a few of the Remixed Classics books and I can say this has been my favorite by far! This could be because the original source material is very dear to me, but I also felt it suited the queer retelling style since the canon is so queer to begin with. I do warn with these books that they are Not retellings, as some people think. They are better thought of as “What If?”s or fanfiction— which holds no negative connotation, it’s simply true. That said, I found this book walked a wonderful line between honoring the themes of the original while creating a modern and unique work. The core tenants of The Picture of Dorian Gray are still found, but they are notably much more simple to digest thanks to the outright queerness of this story. I do think there are moments where they may have been too simplified or the plot became too glossed over, but these are easily ignorable in service of the overall story. Do not come looking for an identical story to the original, what Grenier has created here is beautiful in its own right.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

And thank you Elle Grenier for inspiring me to name my imaginary daughter Dorian!

[cinnamilk · Rating 5 out of 5]

🕯️┊ “ i would offer my very soul, if it meant this portrait might age and i might wear its beauty forever. ”

Firstly, thank you for this ARC! I was overjoyed to see this I'd received an advanced copy of this novel.

I went into This Wretched Beauty without a clue of what I may find, and what was inside completely blew me away. The titular Dorian Grey was brought to life in an entirely new fashion, while still respecting the core themes of the original.

What really won me over was how imperfectly relatable this iteration of Dorian was. They were vain and reckless, yet had a vulnerability to them that had me hoping they would find peace, even as they spiraled further and further from it. I've noticed that in the YA genre, it is sometimes hard for authors to create a fleshed-out POV character, but Dorian felt entirely human. We unfortunately had much less time with the supporting cast (especially Basil!) but I liked what was done with them, particularly with Sybil Vance.

Overall, though, I would say this book is a wonderful retelling of the original Dorian Grey, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys deeply flawed, compelling characters.

[Valarie - WoodsyBookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Wretched Beauty had the perfect blurb to draw me in but in terms of execution it felt a little lacking. I love the original Dorian Gray and the concept of a queer retelling had me foaming at the mouth waiting for its release but while I loved the color inspired chapter titles and the poetic prose, this book was incredibly slow.

With the book being a YA novel the grittiness of Dorian's downfall into depravity isn't as overtly portrayed compared to the source material - it's hard to showcase that fall into debauchery when the protagonist is sixteen and you're toeing that line to remain in a more young adult oriented space. 

I like the idea of a Dorian Gray retelling and I enjoyed the imagery the author provided but I think I would have appreciated this book more with mature characters and an open use of dark themes. So much seemed a little too closed door or covertly implied than outright shown to keep things, what's the best way to say this other than, "PG" for a younger audience. 

I wanted to love this story, and maybe it will be a good introduction to Dorian Gray for younger readers, but it didn't feel very exciting to me.

[RebeccaReadsTooMuch 💁‍♀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Wretched Beauty is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, part of the remixed classics series which give us classic literature rewritten in the voices of marginalized communities. Dorian Gray is the perfect choice for Elle Grainier to tell with her transfeminine spin, taking us into London’s underground molly houses and drag shows.

The prose was gorgeous and poetic, in the close vein of Oscar Wilde. While much is the same, like names, premise, and the gothic atmosphere, some elements of the plot diverge from the original in meaningful ways. Perhaps because it’s YA, or perhaps because we just need it desperately these days, there’s a bit more softness here.

For best enjoyment, you must definitely read Dorian Gray first, maybe even reread if it’s been a while (at least it’s a short one!).

I highly recommend the audiobook. I really enjoyed the performance by Jenet LeLacheur - her narration added opulence and intensity that was just right for the time and place of Dorian Gray.

Many thanks to Macmillan for the early copies.