Introduction by Jeffrey Eugenides • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read Written in his distinctively dazzling manner, Oscar Wilde’s story of a fashionable young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty is the author’s most popular work. The tale of Dorian Gray’s moral disintegration caused a scandal when it first appeared in 1890, but though Wilde was attacked for the novel’s corrupting influence, he responded that there is, in fact, “a terrible moral in Dorian Gray.” Just a few years later, the book and the aesthetic/moral dilemma it presented became issues in the trials occasioned by Wilde’s homosexual liaisons, which resulted in his imprisonment. Of Dorian Gray’s relationship to autobiography, Wilde noted in a letter, “Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Serious
“This voice is described as 'deep cinematic' for 'dark storytelling' and 'serious narrative work,' with an 'authoritative, controlled, and clear' British accent, perfectly matching the elegant, sophisticated, dramatic, and gothic requirements for Wilde's prose.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Formal
“A 'clear and resonant British male narration voice' with 'authority and clarity' and a 'neutral R.P. accent,' which aligns well with the sophisticated, measured, and authoritative tone required for the narrator of a classic novel.”
Male · Old · Character-Voice · Entertainment · Deep · Warm · +3 more
“This voice is described as 'deep, warm, authoritative, and cinematic storytelling,' making it suitable for the gothic and philosophical nature of the book. Its 'measured' delivery fits the 'measured' trait of the narrator.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Serious
“Jayaraman carries a 'deep, brooding undertone' and 'consistent emotional depth' for 'long suspense stories' and 'gothic thrillers,' which strongly resonates with the dark, dramatic, and gothic elements of the book's genre and the narrator's traits.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Intense
“Described as 'composed and authoritative' for 'historical storytelling and long-form nonfiction,' this voice offers clarity and a factual tone, which can convey the sophisticated and measured aspect of the narrator, even if less dramatic than higher-ranked options.”