Welcome to the Slow Readers’ Book Club. Designed for working professionals that don’t have a lot of time to read, but want to engage in literary conversations. Or better yet – meet other people in the same boat and find connection.

This month we’re reading Oscar Wilde’s timeless: The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray is guaranteed to stick with you for years – if not, for life.

The story opens on painter Basil Hallward nearing the the completion of the titular picture of Dorian Gray. Basil is in turmoil – his visage of Dorian is clearly “the best work [he] has ever done”, and yet he professes he can never exhibit it as he has “put too much of myself in it” (p.2).

“An artist should create beautiful things, but should put nothing of his own life into them. We live in an age when men treat art as a form of autobiography. We have lost the abstract sense of beauty… for that reason the world shall never see my portrait of Dorian Gray”. (p.14)

Basil’s portrait contains some intangible quality which enthrals Dorian – far beyond a simple likeness. Like Narcissus, Dorian becomes infatuated and obsessed with his image, but with far more dangerous consequences. The story follows Dorian in his hedonistic downfall as he tests the limits of his own morality while being protected by his gentlemanly facade.

Dorian Gray is the kind of story that never leaves you. I hope that you’ll read along with us. Read our full Dorian Gray Review here.

Here are just some of the comments on our Dubai book club from our lovely Instagram community:

“I’m genuinely glad the introvert in me didn’t take over and cancel last minute … I freakin’ loved it” (@thiscitythatbook)

“Slow reader here! … I’d love to join! I hope you all enjoy Dorian Gray!” – (@erikavsbooks)

Join us on Thursday 19th June at 7:30pm, at NOLA (JLT) Dubai.