Reviews

Arthur and George by Julian Barnes

neilethere's review against another edition

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dark informative reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

vix531's review against another edition

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2.0

Not the worst book I've ever read, but I had high expectations going into it and unfortunately I was let down. I think this is because I found the book to be very slow going and filled with many unnecessary details. Although a fictional telling based on real events, I think that some of the information could have been condensed.

sarahrice's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bartps's review against another edition

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informative mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

tomleetang's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting stylistic experiment rather than a compelling novel.

mapdock's review against another edition

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3.0

Interesting mix of non-fiction (story of a period in Arthur Conan Doyle's life) and fiction. The neatest part is that it contains its own little Sherlock Holmes story within the story. Not stirred to passion over the book, but interesting to read...

budsmam's review against another edition

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3.0

I loved the early part of the book, cutting between the two lives, so very different from each other. I got lost in the second part, too much lingering, longing from both George and Arthur.

dreamawakebooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2005, Arthur and George is the semi-biographical account of an unlikely friendship between one of Britain's most famous and best-loved authors, and a small claims solicitor from the Staffordshire village of Great Wyrley.

The timing at which I came to read this book struck me as uncanny, having just spent 9 days in Great Wyrley myself. Until I began reading, I had no idea that these events had occurred so many years ago. I was aware that the 'Arthur' of the title was the great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but I had never heard of George Edalji before. Since beginning this book, I have carried out my own reading into the events that occurred, and discovered more about George Edalji and his work. I would recommend doing so, it is very enlightening, and increases the readers ability to relate to George.

Julian Barnes has handled the case of Arthur and George with genteel empathy for George, and fervid imagination in regards to 'filling in the blanks'. The story is eloquently written, with every aspect, truth or imagination, believable. The intricate relationships between characters are treated with the utmost respect, and withhold the status and standing of those involved. The case itself is greatly detailed, and George is presented as truthfully as possible throughout (based on my own reading). The fierce way in which the two men become friends and in which Arthur takes the role of 'saviour' to George is handled with decorum and very well presented, as is the developing friendship between the two gentlemen, despite their obvious differences of opinion in many areas.

In all I found the book to be an easy and enjoyable read, and I found it incredibly interesting to read some more about one of my favourite authors.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes biographical material, and any fan of Sir Conan Doyle - it is a very enlightening account of his personal struggles and the ways in which his life was affected by the spectre of Sherlock Holmes.

brianahartzell's review against another edition

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2.0

I picked this book upfront the library because one of the story's main characters is the author of Sherlock Homes stories, of hitch I thoroughly enjoy. I thought this book was well written but a bit slow. The build up to the climax of the story left me disappointed at the lengthy, drawn out and unexciting conclusion.