Victorian Visual Culture

If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes, you just might be interested in this wonderful novel by Julian Barnes. It is the story of Sherlock’s creator, Arthur Conan-Doyle, and George Edalji, a solicitor who is charged with a crime he didn’t commit. Part of the novel follows the character of Arthur, part follows George and finally their lives intersect as Conan-Doyle becomes fascinated with the trial of this man, the son of an Indian vicar, and tries to clear his name. The novel explores Conan-Doyle’s relationship with his first wife, Louisa Hawkins, and his friendship with Jean Leckie, as well as his fascination with spiritualism. It is a great book for historical fiction buffs as well as Sherlock Holmes fans.