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troyrought's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Cannot really give this a star rating as it was never really meant to be published or read by anyone besides Wilde's estranged lover. What I can say is that Wilde did not indeed survive the situationship.
On a real note, this letter offers deep introspection into love, loss, guilt, forgiveness, and art in a way that few other writers could even fathom. Wilde turned his prison sentence into a lesson on humanity and the lessons he shares are really insightful and worth reading by everyone.
On a real note, this letter offers deep introspection into love, loss, guilt, forgiveness, and art in a way that few other writers could even fathom. Wilde turned his prison sentence into a lesson on humanity and the lessons he shares are really insightful and worth reading by everyone.
janeite's review against another edition
4.0
In China, people quoting this book and book-sellers always mark it a piece of touching love letter. Well. It's ABOUT love but it's about everything else too. It's private and strong and sensitive. It's raging and crying and laughing and cursing about love and life and, surprise surprise, trivial, ordinary, boring, daily affairs. No matter how love-related the book is exaggerated to be, the things he accused of can be found on Jerry Springer show, but downgraded in drama. Still I gave it 4 stars because not of what story it tells but how it is told. I would like to knock on those editor's door and tell them that there's much more of this book other than love. It is a cry from de Profundis. It talks about love yes. But it's also about Wilde as a person instead of an artistic figure or a flat character to quote in love letters. It is about him. And it is so well written.
blaithinr's review against another edition
5.0
“With freedom, flowers, books, and the moon, who could not be perfectly happy?”
subzerochi's review against another edition
1.0
Writes well but so shallow and self absorbed that I cried.
natealva's review against another edition
5.0
“The most terrible thing about it is not that it breaks one’s heart—hearts are made to be broken—but that it turns one’s heart to stone.”
"De Profundis," written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol, is a deeply personal and introspective letter to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, found in this 1964 edition by Vintage Books. It offers readers Wilde's unedited thoughts in their full form.
The work presents a compelling blend of personal confession and sharp critique. Wilde holds Douglas largely responsible for his downfall and, through this letter, reflects on their tumultuous relationship, his own rise and fall, and his thoughts on art and beauty. One aspect that fascinated me was his seamless shift from expressions of love and disappointment to meditations on suffering and redemption—showcasing Wilde's impeccable skill in writing.
"De Profundis" was Wilde's attempt to make sense of his suffering and to articulate his emotional and intellectual struggles. Throughout the letter, Wilde's fierce intelligence and emotional depth shine. His eloquent prose and keen insights reveal a man who, despite immense suffering, remains dedicated to truth and beauty. It serves as both a passionate critique of Douglas and a testament to Wilde's enduring spirit.
Discovering this edition was a revelation; it allowed me to fully grasp Wilde's profound emotional and intellectual journey—offering readers a powerful and cohesive glimpse into his soul and legacy.
"De Profundis," written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol, is a deeply personal and introspective letter to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, found in this 1964 edition by Vintage Books. It offers readers Wilde's unedited thoughts in their full form.
The work presents a compelling blend of personal confession and sharp critique. Wilde holds Douglas largely responsible for his downfall and, through this letter, reflects on their tumultuous relationship, his own rise and fall, and his thoughts on art and beauty. One aspect that fascinated me was his seamless shift from expressions of love and disappointment to meditations on suffering and redemption—showcasing Wilde's impeccable skill in writing.
"De Profundis" was Wilde's attempt to make sense of his suffering and to articulate his emotional and intellectual struggles. Throughout the letter, Wilde's fierce intelligence and emotional depth shine. His eloquent prose and keen insights reveal a man who, despite immense suffering, remains dedicated to truth and beauty. It serves as both a passionate critique of Douglas and a testament to Wilde's enduring spirit.
Discovering this edition was a revelation; it allowed me to fully grasp Wilde's profound emotional and intellectual journey—offering readers a powerful and cohesive glimpse into his soul and legacy.