The Picture of Dorian Gray

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: Russell Tovey

Exclusively from Audible

The Picture of Dorian Gray was first published in 1890 in the July edition of the Lippincott Magazine. Now, this special anniversary edition marks 50 years since the 1967 Sexual Offences Act was passed in England. 25p from every copy downloaded over the next 12 months will be donated to Stonewall, Britain’s leading LGBT charity, to help the organisation further its work in securing full equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people everywhere.

A damning portrayal of Victorian society, Wilde used his narrative to chastise his contemporaries for their superfluous and hypocritical values. Having also interspersed homoerotic scenes within the story, The Picture of Dorian Gray was unsurprisingly condemned for its 'indecency', forcing Wilde to publish a second, censored edition in 1891. Wilde defended his vision to the last, whilst simultaneously challenging assumptions about his private life and sexuality. He credited his inspiration for the text to the classic Faustian suggestion that given the chance, a man would undoubtedly sell his soul in exchange for eternal youth.

When the protagonist, Dorian Gray, meets with the audacious Lord Henry Wotton, he is encouraged to indulge in his most vain and hedonistic of ambitions, thereby testing the boundaries of the law and living a life of unpunished anarchy. As handsome as he is charming, Dorian beguiles those around him, in particular, the artist Basil Hallward. Hopelessly enamoured by the young socialite, Basil sets out to capture his likeness in a full-length portrait. It is the finished product which ultimately engenders Dorian the ultimate weapon; control over the passing of time.

Modern audiences now recognise The Picture of Dorian Gray as an enticing gothic masterpiece and highly astute cautionary tale. Experience the unique and fractured world created by Oscar Wilde in this new audiobook adaptation, made in collaboration with Stonewall and narrated by award-winning actor, Russell Tovey.

Narrator Biography

Russell Tovey is a TV, film and stage actor, known for The History Boys, Grabbers, Angels in America, The Night Manager, Pride, Quantico and The Pass. He has narrated many audiobooks throughout his career including, Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, Anna Sewell's Black Beauty and Mark Michalowski's Being Human.

In collaboration with Stonewall, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, Tovey brings us this new adaption of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Having starred in The Old Vic's production of Queers and The National Theatre's Angels in America, Russell is a keen advocate of LGBT rights and, bringing years of stage training experience, the perfect narrator for this epic tale of masculine beauty.

Public Domain (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Great Reading For A GREAT Novel

I thought that Russell Tovey was a wonderful reader, making the book that I read so many years ago come back alive.

Better than expected.

The narrator did a wonderful a great job, he really brought life to the characters.

Superb

Superb story plot and writing style (I had read it already on paper). The voice performance brought it to life with excellence. I would give the overall 10 star if I could.

Russell Tovey reinvigorates a classic

Tovey’s narration bring Wilde’s classic to life. It’s a fabulous performance of a great work of literature.

We don’t deserve Russell Tovey

The fluidity with which Tovey switches between characters is impeccable. He gives a life to the story which is unmatched. If you are a fan of Dorian Gray, this is a must listen. Well done, Mr. Tovey!

Good but drawn out

Great narration but some parts of the conversation between characters or himself, seemed so long and drawn out, almost unbearable. But it was still a good listen overall

I knew the story was good, had no idea how good.

Wilde could string together words like pearls, his descriptions were so rich and detailed. Although the prose style could have been ponderous to our modern ears, the narrator did an absolutely amazing job of bringing the characters and story to life. So vibrant and capable, just wonderful. Will gladly listen to it again.

Don’t get me wrong….

I appreciate the book’s importance in history when it was first published as a work that broke ground in what was allowed to be published in terms of homoeroticism and LGBTQA themes, but by today’s standard, it was hardly even noticeable, and on top of that, there were long passages that seemed either pretentious or pointless, and I had a hard time understanding a lot of what was said and thought. By my account, it seemed sloppy and disjointed, and the only character I liked at all was Ser Henry, who reminded me a lot of my favorite fictional character of all time. I would say it was still worth pursuing the narrative for him alone, but I would rather it had been abridged, or just a collection of quotes and scenes of him. I would say if you care a lot about the history of LGBTQA authors and works, it is an important read, but it doesn’t offer much else. The message I perceived even offended me a bit, in that I know many wonderful but ugly people, and many gorgeous terrible ones. The body is not a reflection of one’s soul, and while it could be said the painting WAS a reflection of the soul, it was inferred many times that wicked deeds would have changed the subject’s appearance, and I think that is, as a word the book was found of using, shallow.

Most Intriguing

I LOVED this book. It was a bit slow at times due to the immense detail given at certain parts but I adored the story line. Russell Tovey brought this book to life and I love his narration of Lord Henry. I have felt honored to read this story and relate it to modern day life and desires.

Russell Tovey is outstanding!

If I were less bold, I might wince at how Wilde might respond to that headline, however...

Smart people live in the witticisms of Wilde, but Tovey brought a wonderful and deep flavor to Wilde's work that made me really enjoy this work after decades of re-reading.

The first Audible book I have pushed to share with my friends.

I hope to hear more recordings from Tovey.