Tuesday 9 November 2010

Elementary, my dear Portia

The Complete Sherlock Holmes (complete collection; interactive table of contents)The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've now read the complete Sherlock Holmes canon and I'm even more of a Holmes nut than I was before! Previously my fondness for The Great Detective was founded in the marvelous television performances of the wonderful and sadly missed Jeremy Brett, but now, having read the original literature that he brought to life so vividly, I'm as in love with the source material as I am with its dramatic interpretation.

I love Sir Arthur's writing style, and the way sometimes the stories rattle along at a hectic pace, and at others, there's a breathtaking yet subtle richness of description and characterization, coupled with a delightful sly humor. It's no wonder the stories are so well loved and revered - the personalities of Holmes and Watson, as well as the supporting cast, are like real people who spring from the page and live.

It definitely won't be too long before I'm re-reading these amazing classic tales.

View all my reviews