5 Books Like The Picture of Dorian Gray You Need to Read

Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel that has captivated readers for generations with its philosophical themes and intricate characters. If you loved immersing yourself in the story of Dorian Gray and are seeking similar novels that explore themes of morality and the human condition, look no further. Check out these five books that are reminiscent of The Picture of Dorian Gray in one way or another, providing you with a fresh tale that will keep you hooked.

1. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

A classic psychological thriller that explores the duality of human nature, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde depicts the gripping story of a brilliant scientist, Dr. Jekyll, who creates a potion to separate his good and evil personalities. When things go awry and the sinister Mr. Hyde begins to take over, the consequences are dire. Like Wilde’s novel, Stevenson’s work delves deep into the human psyche and the struggle between good and evil.

Buy or listen to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here.

2. Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Another tale that intertwines themes of morality, temptation, and passion is Goethe’s Faust. This classic play tells the story of Heinrich Faust, a bored intellectual who, desperate for more in life, makes a deal with the devil. In exchange for unlimited knowledge, the devil – Mephistopheles – will possess Faust’s soul. Comparisons to The Picture of Dorian Gray lie in the protagonists’ search for meaning and wisdom, the supernatural aspects, and the ultimate price of pursuing forbidden desires.

Buy or listen to Faust here.

3. Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente

Blending historical fiction and fantasy, Deathless is a retelling of the Russian folktale of Koschei the Deathless. Valente reimagines this dark fairy tale, focusing on Koschei, a demon who cannot die, and his doomed love affair with Marya Morevna. The novel’s themes of immortality, power, and obsession echo those found in Wilde’s work, creating a fantastical parallel to Dorian Gray’s haunting story.

Buy or listen to Deathless here.

4. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind

Set in 18th-century France, this unique novel follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with no body scent but with an extraordinary sense of smell. His obsession with creating the world’s most intoxicating perfume leads him down a dark path of murder and immoral acts. Like Dorian Gray, Jean-Baptiste becomes entangled in a world of vanity and sin, sacrificing his own humanity along the way. Süskind’s Perfume is a compelling exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

Buy or listen to Perfume: The Story of a Murderer here.

5. The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss

A unique twist on classic tales, The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter tells the story of Mary Jekyll as she uncovers her mysterious heritage and crosses paths with a memorable ensemble – including Diana Hyde, Beatrice Rappaccini, and Catherine Moreau. Goss masterfully weaves together various narratives and themes from classic works, like Dorian Gray and Dr. Jekyll, in a fresh narrative filled with adventure, suspense, and self-discovery.

Buy or listen to The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter here.