Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, slightly bored with his fame and fortune, takes up the case of wrongfully convicted George Edalji due to willful incompetence and racist attitudes towards Anglo-Indians. Set against the personal lives of both men as they reflect both their idiosyncrasies and the late Victorian / early Edwardian era. Musings on the nature of fame, how a person lives up to his own view of themselves, of being out of step with one’s time and also a product of it. Elegantly written, generally holds interest but not a second read. Characters expertly drawn, one truly feels they are real people, that you’ve met them. Slice of life between Victorian and Edwardian England, no surprises but compassionately examined. I’m not a Sherlock Holmes fan nor read the true crime genre so of limited interest. Good turn of phrases, JB insights but nothing significant. Satisfying and well done, not exceptional. ( )

2.1

A great book by a great English author. More, please, Julian! ( )

This book came highly recommended and did not disappoint. I was unaware of it's subject matter but found it intriguing as I knew little about the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle other than as an author of classic books. However it was the character of George that really drew me in to the story. It is narrated in the 3rd person, alternating between the lives of Arthur and George and told in a sequential manner until they meet as adults. Their meeting comes at Arthur's behest as he has learned of the injustices perpetrated on George by the legal system of Britain. George is a quiet, hardworking young lawyer of Indian /Scottish ancestry and was raised in a vicarage in a loving home. He has been charged and served time in prison for the gross mutilation of an animal. Even Sir Arthur can see the unlikeliness of George having perpetrated this crime and he sets out to clear George's name. To these ends he dons his Sherlock Holmes hat and begins his campaign for justice. ( )

Historical fiction inspired by real events in the early 20th century in England. George is a solicitor living in the rural town of Great Wyrley near Birmingham. He is accused of mutilating horses and other farm animals. Arthur is convinced of his innocence and gets involved in the case.

The plot revolves around the mysterious mutilations, though I would call this book more character driven. Barnes provides a satisfying portrait of two contrasting personalities. George is cautious, introspective, and quiet while Arthur is flamboyant, assertive, and outspoken. The writing is elegant, and the narrative is compelling. I found myself drawn along by the mystery element, while also wanting to learn more about the people, history, and culture of the time period.

The two main characters are similar in their application of logic. Arthur applies logic in the manner of a detective in attempting to break a case. George, as a student of law, employs an analytical approach to his situation, trying to remove as much emotion as possible. Each sees something the other cannot. For example, Arthur is aware that racial prejudice has played a role in George’s accusation and George sees that Arthur has come up with an alternate suspect using a great deal of circumstantial evidence.

I frequently read historical fiction based on real people, and this book is a masterful example of the way convey a feeling of authenticity. Barnes convinces me he has a grasp on the personalities of these people, as they try to navigate the complexities of their lives. This book provides a satisfying blend of plot, character, flow, originality, and style. I enjoyed it immensely.
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