Arthur and George

Like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mysteries, this well-paced novel is about seeing and understanding--in this case, understanding who was behind the hate campaign against George Edalji and how the subsequent miscarriage of justice could have possibly taken place. In fact, Julian Barnes plays with the notion of seeing and questions its limits. For instance, Doyle's lack of success as an opthalmologist means that he spent his time writing Sherlock Holmes mysteries--famous for their methods of examination and detection--instead of tending patients. Doyle argues that Edalji's untreated myopia means that he couldn't have possibly committed the crimes of which he was accused and convicted. Edalji's myopia also serves as a metaphor for his reluctance to admit that his unjust imprisonment had anything to do with race prejudice. Furthermore, despite presenting the evidence from the trial and Doyle's investigation, the story does not present any pat conclusions. Barnes, however, gives his characters more psychological depth than those in Doyle's mysteries. The story is told from two points of view--Doyle's and Edalji's--and is a compassionate portrayal of both men. Even the minor characters of the novel, like Doyle's mother and Edalji's father, are fully fleshed out. Despite being about a miscarriage of justice that took place 100 years ago, this story is clearly relevant to Britain today, particularly its themes of racism, justice and 'Englishness'. By no means, however, is this book heavy-handed. It just explores these ideas through the consciousness of two men from different positions in society. In addition, Nigel Anthony's narration did justice to the very different cast of characters in the novel. I also found that Barnes' writing style made this an easy listen. I highly recommend this book. It is a shame that it did not receive the Booker prize.

Diane, London, United Kingdom

18/02/2007

This is a wonderful narrative giving an excellent insight into the life and character of Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is Doyle's passion for a cause that provides the story - the Edjaldi case was a great 'cause celebre' at the time (drawing the inevitable comparasion with the French Dréyfus case and Emil Zolá's interjections in it) but one which has been lost to a large extent in the mists of time. The book moves at a healthy pace and is superbly narrated bringing all the characters to life. It blends fact and fiction seamlessly using the fiction to express presumed feelings etc against the factual backdrop. A very satisfying read/listen and an educational one as well (I for one was unaware that the Edjaldi case led to the setting up of the court of appeal!) - not least after listening you will be in no doubt as to the correct pronouncation of 'Edjaldi'!! Julian Barnes has a great eye for detail painting a very vivid picture of the sociology and world view of Britain at the turn of the (20th)century and Nigel Anthony's narration does this real justice. A highly recommended read/listen - one to which you will want to experience more than once.

ulsterman, Bangor, United Kingdom

26/09/2007

Started slow but built up into one of those stories that stays in your memory for a long time after - excellent, loved it. Nice balance of suspense and excitement

John, Wellesbourne, United Kingdom

28/01/2007