This Wretched Beauty

In the smoky underworld of 1860s London, a labyrinth of molly houses, crumbling estates and illicit affairs, this gloriously gothic trans retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray unfurls a twisting tale of love, deceit, and dissolution.

This atmospheric reimagining is perfect for fans of Every Exquisite Thing and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth.

London, 1867. Dorian Gray is wealthy, beautiful, and miserable. Heir to both the fortune and reputation of their austere, manipulative grandfather, their only moments of joy are snatched by sneaking out to their fathers gallery for secret visits. One night, they meet a sweet, talented young painter named Basil, who immediately recognizes Dorian as his new muse. Dorian is struck by the beauty and depth that Basil paints into their portrait—and dares to hope there might be more to life than living as their grandfathers perfect, empty-headed heir.

Basil and his friend Henry Wootton introduce Dorian to the heady world of molly houses and drag performers. But Dorians double life is shattered when a police investigation implicates them in "indecent" activities, and—terrified of their grandfathers wrath—they offer evidence against beloved drag performer Sybil Vane. Fleeing London in shame and disgrace, Dorian sets up a scandalous life in the country as Henrys mistress, throwing extravagant parties and breaking hearts at every turn.

As Dorians spiral of self-loathing deepens, something strange happens: the portrait begins to change. Their smile becomes a little sharper, the glint in their eyes a little colder. Dorian will soon have to choose: embrace the wickedness within and become what they were always meant to be, or dare to try for something far more fragile and dangerous: a life of their own making.