Saturday, April 21, 2012

A-Z Challenge, "S" is for "Sherlock Holmes"

My A-Z Challenge character feature today for "S" is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes." Most of the general public is familiar with this time-honored character. When it comes to solving mysterious crimes, he's been ingrained into our psyche as the go-to fictional investigator. 
From the GoodReads overview:  "Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who was a brilliant London-based consulting detective. Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess and is renowned for his skillful use of astute observation, deductive reasoning and forensic skills to solve difficult cases."  Yes, he is that and so much more.

After reading a few of Sherlock stories including, The Hound of Baskervilles, I had a whole new appreciation for Doyle.  Sherlock had his faults and was famously imperfect as he was genius.  And he had this lonesome quality that made him ever more alluring.  Doyle was a master at storytelling through his characters--not just with Sherlock, but with Watson.  Was that part of the reason why Sherlock was so great?

Did you read any of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories?  Have you seen the movies with Robert Downey Jr.?  Which of Sherlock's qualities do you like/dislike?  

Mina B.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes and yes! I've read them and seen the movies and love them both! And my quirky like is his quirky mind! :)

Great post!

Morgan said...

I haven't read the books or seen the movie! Then why is it that I feel like I know his character so well? Hmmm. There's something cool about the detective... Maybe it's the long coat or British accent... ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I've read and enjoyed several of Doyle's books, and I also enjoy the movies. I think there is a connection most people miss just because the movies seem so different from the books. Also like the BBC Holmes.

Elise Fallson said...

I enjoyed the movies but only read a kids version of The Hound of Baskervilles, but Doyle is one of many on my list. (((:

Tonja said...

I've read part of Hound of the Baskervilles. I didn't like the latest movie at all.

mshatch said...

I did enjoy the new film with Jude law and Robert Downey. It was fun!

Unknown said...

I haven't read the books, but have seen the movies. The BBC series was good too!

Clint said...

It has been a while like 5th or 6th grad since I read some of his stories, but I do have the collection..:)) I think I should re-read them again some time.

Doyle is one of my favorite authors of all-time.

I feel terrible I have yet to see the movie...kicking myself.

Unknown said...

I have The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on my bookshelf and have never read it...it sounds like I should.

Cynthia said...

I've read some Sherlock Holmes stories back while I was in school. I haven't seen the recent movie yet though. Awhile ago, I also read a mystery written by Laurie King- she writes a series from the perspective of Sherlock Holmes' wife.

michelle said...

I read some of Doyle's stuff back in the day - can't remember exactly which ones (we're talking quite a looooong while...)
Sherlock's lonesome quality stands out for me as one of his distinguishing characteristics.

Nick Wilford said...

I've not read any of them either. I've always meant to. Definitely the mark of an iconic character that most people can conjure an image of him without needing to read it. I've not seen the recent movies but enjoyed the BBC series!

Unknown said...

I haven't read any of the books but I've watched the Robert Downey Jr movies. I was actually disappointed by the first one. I remember expecting a lot more of it. So when the second one came out, my expectations were really low--which meant I ended up really enjoying that one :-)

S. L. Hennessy said...

I love everything about Sherlock Holmes. I've read all the books, and I think Robert Downey Jr. is AWESOME in the role. I also love Young Sherlock Holmes...have you ever seen it? So good.

Mina Burrows said...

@Magical Mystical MiMi - Me too.

@Morgan - I'm sure that's part of it.

@Alex J. Cavanaugh - I agree.

@Elise Fallson - They are unbelievably good.

@Tonja-I heard mixed reviews too.

@mshatch - That's good. I haven't seen the 2nd one yet.

@C.M.Brown - Its been a while since I've seen the BBC series, but they were good too.

@Geeky Daddy - Yeah, I don't think you can go wrong with these.

@Michael Pierce - I would give them a try.

@Cynthia - I saw Laura King's versions. I haven't read them though.

@michelle -I think so too.

@Nick Wilford- He is really iconic. I truly had no idea until I did some minor research.

@Rachel Morgan - I haven't seen the 2nd one yet. I want to though.

@S. L. Hennessy - Me too!

Tara Tyler said...

this is my fave character! he's freaky smart and intuitive! to the point of obnoxious and cocky, but that's ok!