Dorian Gray is young, rich and jaw-droppingly handsome - what more could he want? Never-ending youth? That is what he desires, and by golly, does he get what he wants!

When Dorian has a respectable painter paint his portrait, he wishes that he could stay youthful forever, and his wish is granted. Instead of Dorian becoming old, his portrait becomes old. However, not only does his portrait show signs of Dorian's increasing age, it also shows the blackening of Dorian's soul as he commits terrible sins to keep his biggest secret, a secret.

Throughout the book, we see Dorian go from good to evil, and back again. Through the scandals and the sinful pleasures in which Dorian partakes, he's never really satisfied with his life, and as time goes on, he becomes increasingly unhappy. The Picture of Dorian Gray shows that even if someone has everything they desire, including never ending youth, ultimately they will not be truly happy.

• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop

Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!