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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
What a fabulous collection! This was a group read that was to go from October 1 - October 31. However, the stories were so compelling that I finished this book one week ahead of the planned reading and discussions.
Whether they were short stories or the couple of longer tales, reading about Sherlock Holmes, Watson and occasionally Mycroft, it was great to see the incredible deduction skills that Holmes had. In fact, from time to time as he questioned Watson (btw, the book was written in Watson's first-person point of view), I found myself deducing right along with Watson as Holmes asked him leading questions as to whatever case was being worked on.
Reading this next book in my quest to read some of the classics was time well spent.
Whether they were short stories or the couple of longer tales, reading about Sherlock Holmes, Watson and occasionally Mycroft, it was great to see the incredible deduction skills that Holmes had. In fact, from time to time as he questioned Watson (btw, the book was written in Watson's first-person point of view), I found myself deducing right along with Watson as Holmes asked him leading questions as to whatever case was being worked on.
Reading this next book in my quest to read some of the classics was time well spent.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It’s a long haul, but worth the time! Some parts are a little dated but surprisingly not that much for a book that’s over 100 years old! In my opinion, the stories get better towards the end, which kept me going!
AT LAST! It took me almost 2 months of intermittent reading to finish the 2 thick books (almost 1800 pages in total) that comprise this collection.
Pros: I like the straightforward way Holmes solves the crimes sent to him, which is why the stories tend to be short with neat endings and mostly repentant culprits. I also like how Watson is a perfect companion and their banters add comic relief to the gloomy Victorian atmosphere.
Cons: I suggest not to read this in one gulp as the stories tend to get repetitive and might bore otherwise expectant readers. The format of the stories and how easily Holmes can come up with the neat solution may bore readers expecting drama and more details.
Standout: The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the best mysteries I've ever read. Will give you the creeps and once again will make you admire how Holmes can come up with the right answers everytime after a thorough examination of the case. I can only wish actual law enforcers are that thorough but that might be asking too much from them.
Pros: I like the straightforward way Holmes solves the crimes sent to him, which is why the stories tend to be short with neat endings and mostly repentant culprits. I also like how Watson is a perfect companion and their banters add comic relief to the gloomy Victorian atmosphere.
Cons: I suggest not to read this in one gulp as the stories tend to get repetitive and might bore otherwise expectant readers. The format of the stories and how easily Holmes can come up with the neat solution may bore readers expecting drama and more details.
Standout: The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the best mysteries I've ever read. Will give you the creeps and once again will make you admire how Holmes can come up with the right answers everytime after a thorough examination of the case. I can only wish actual law enforcers are that thorough but that might be asking too much from them.
Whew. I spent a solid five months in the world of Sherlock Holmes. For four of those months, I read other books, but I stuck with him all through October. That sort of relationship deserves a few words.
Doyle was quite the writer, and Holmes was quite the philosopher. Holmes may not have appreciated Watson's descriptions, but I did. (Case in point: "[A]nd beside him on the settee was a brand which he had brought up in the shape of a slim, flame-like young woman with a pale, intense face, youthful, and yet so worn with sin and sorrow that one read the terrible years which had left their leprous mark upon her.")
And another word: It would be a cheap and easy trick to condemn Holmes for his xenophobia. To be sure, I winced at some descriptions, and I rolled my eyes at any mention of the exotic. I also was mindful that Holmes and Doyle were men of their times. Holmes may seem advanced and worldly, but he is and always will be a Victorian Briton.
Doyle was quite the writer, and Holmes was quite the philosopher. Holmes may not have appreciated Watson's descriptions, but I did. (Case in point: "[A]nd beside him on the settee was a brand which he had brought up in the shape of a slim, flame-like young woman with a pale, intense face, youthful, and yet so worn with sin and sorrow that one read the terrible years which had left their leprous mark upon her.")
And another word: It would be a cheap and easy trick to condemn Holmes for his xenophobia. To be sure, I winced at some descriptions, and I rolled my eyes at any mention of the exotic. I also was mindful that Holmes and Doyle were men of their times. Holmes may seem advanced and worldly, but he is and always will be a Victorian Briton.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Radio WHT presents Sherlock Holmes
Sunset Playhouse (Elm Grove, WI)
May 6-8, 2011
(Adventure of the Speckled Band + The Sign of the Four)
Sunset Playhouse (Elm Grove, WI)
May 6-8, 2011
(Adventure of the Speckled Band + The Sign of the Four)
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes