The Best of Sherlock Holmes: Arthur Conan Doyle
A few weeks ago, I watched the newish Sherlock Holmes film starring Robert Downey Jr. I thought, well, that was nothing like the book. And then I thought, wait a minute, I’ve never even read the book. In fact, I deliberately avoided the book for a while, because I used to live within spitting distance of 221B Baker Street and Sherlock used to cause me a whole lot of tourist rage while I was in a hurry in the morning. Still, not his fault that people are crazy, and it seems only fair to give him a go.
I did enjoy these short stories, though it was a mistake to scoff them all in one go – I’ve overdosed on quaint crimes and dastardly deeds. Holmes and Watson seriously love each other, which I did not expect. I also enjoy how Holmes isn’t perfect: he is outwitted more frequently than you might expect (though he doesn’t really seem that bothered when people get murdered because of his mistakes, he’s only mildly irritated at his miscalculations). Many of the plots are ingenious and very clever.
Things I didn’t like. Sherlock’s kind of a misogynist. It’s not so much that he hates women, so much that he thinks they are entirely worthless and beneath notice. Women also seem to die of fright at the drop of a hat. Also, I think that one of the greatest pleasures of reading mysteries is the opportunity to work things out for yourself, or go back and pick up the clues afterwards. You don’t get that opportunity with Sherlock, because often you aren’t given the information until Sherlock reveals it in his denouement. So you never get to think ‘aha!’ Mostly, you think ‘thanks, smart-arse’.
Still, these were fun. I’d like to read some more. Maybe I’ll take Hound of the Baskervilles on holiday.
You know what else? Not once in these stories does he say ‘Elementary, my dear Watson.’ Apparently this is one of those capital F facts that everyone knows but me.
Conincidentally, Sir Arthur’s house was in the paper today. It’s in need of rescuing. Given all the crazy deerstalker-wearing pipe smokers getting in my way on Baker Street, I’m really surprised that the National Trust or someone like that doesn’t snap it up as a tourist attraction.
The film is surprisingly enjoyable, by the way, despite the wholly unnecessary and most annoying Rachel McAdams character. And I say that as someone who despises Jude Law.
I’m going to watch Alice In Wonderland now. Which I will also no doubt randomly judge, despite the fact that I don’t think I’ve read Alice either. Or certainly not as an adult. I despair of myself. So many books to read.
Posted on July 21, 2010, in Uncategorized and tagged 221B baker street, books, classics, dr watson, mystery, reading, sherlock holmes, sir arthur conan doyle. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
I saw the movie too and while I’ve only read a few of the Holmes story, it was definitely a lot different. The inclusion of a love interest was at least a somewhat good addition as it turned women away from all being entirely useless and making the short stories very sexist in that way. On the bright side, I now picture Holmes as Robert Downey Jr. whenever I read the tales; certainly a more heroic character than the illustration included on the cover of my book!
I also read them in one fell swoop, and I think it was a mistake. They just start to seem formulaic after the fifth or sixth one.
I picture Dr. House (who is based on Sherlock Holmes). I think I read them over a few months. Fairly close together but I guess not enough to burn out (I was about 12 so I don’t remember all that well.) Look for the 80′s BBC/PBS versions starring Jeremy Brett – he was genius as Holmes. In addition to never saying “Elementary my dear Watson” he also never wear s adeerstalker cap nor smokes a pipe. Smokes other things….
Stopping by via the Hop and, like you, I love tea. In exactly the same way – milk, no sugar. Anyway, the new Holmes movie was excellent, but I haven’t read the books for a long time. I like how you outlined the the pros and cons so simply. Also, I didn’t know that Dr House was based on Holmes, but now that I DO know – I see it. So true.
Now following your blog, and have a great weekend!
Found you via the hop! I’ve read a bunch of the Sherlock Holmes stories and I’m reading the Hound of the Baskervilles now while I try out the iBooks e-reader on my iPod. I do agree with you that I miss out on being able to try to solve the crime along with Holmes, since he hoards all the details you need to figure it out.