Return to the Wilde
Dublin's One City, One Book festival is dedicated to Oscar Wilde and The Picture of Dorian Gray, says Andrea Byrne
Given that he is one of Ireland's best known and most-loved literary figures, it is entirely fitting that this year's Dublin: One City, One Book festival should be dedicated to Oscar Wilde.
For the uninitiated, the festival, now in its fifth year, is designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book at the same time, discuss it and also to use the facilities of their local libraries.
This year's chosen book is Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, which for many provided a real insight into the author himself. The novel was actually used as evidence against Wilde at the Old Bailey in 1895, so not only is it a wonderful read but it also boasts historical significance.
According to Jane Alger of Dublin City Libraries, the main organiser of the event, the primary objective of Dublin: One City, One Book is to "showcase the talents of Dublin's writers and to encourage everyone to read the book and engage with it through a wide variety of events. Oscar Wilde is one of Dublin's most famous writers, though better known as a dramatist. The Picture of Dorian Gray is his only novel so I suppose you could say it selected itself."
For the entire month, events are organised throughout the capital, catering for adults and children. Whether it is watching a performance of some of Oscar's famous plays, engaging in a weighty academic discussion about the novel, taking your child to The Happy Prince or strolling around Wilde's Dublin on a lively walking tour, there is something for everyone.
In what promises to be a festival highlight, Merlin Holland, Oscar Wilde's only grandson, will discuss his view that Dorian Gray was a major contributor to his grandfather's downfall.
Commenting on the growing success of the festival, Alger says: "Experience so far over the five years of Dublin: One City, One Book shows that the range of events intrigue people and make them want to read the book. Increased book sales and library borrowings as well as media interest show that this strategy works. Last year Dracula was the most borrowed book in libraries in Ireland in April. It also sold out in many bookshops."
Almost all the events organised are free to the public. However, such is the demand that pre-booking is essential for a number of key events. A new edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray has been published by Penguin Classics, priced at a very affordable €9.99, to coincide with the beginning of the festival.
"A bit like Dracula last year, many people think they know the story because it has been featured in many films and the theme (selling your soul) is a widely used one, however there's nothing like reading the original," Jane Alger encourages.
Dublin: One City, One Book runs for the month of April. For a full list of events see www.dublinonecityone book.ie
- Andrea Byrne
Originally published in
