parishaealam's review
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
bookcraft's review against another edition
3.0
The narration by Stephen Fry is lovely. The stories are clearly an important part of our literary history, but I had apparently forgotten since I first read them as a teenager just how sexist, racist, and classist they were. Also, the solutions seem pretty simplistic to a modern audience that grew up with increasingly more complex plots in our mystery novels.
I listened to this audiobook with my adult son, and despite the flaws it was worthwhile for the historical perspective as well as for the discussion and analysis it sparked on topics from geopolitical history to social issues to narrative structure. Heck, we probably clocked more hours talking than it actually took to listen to the book!
(Side note specific to the audiobook: In the introduction to one of the volumes, Stephen Fry opens up about the impact Sherlock Holmes had on his life when he was young. IMO, it's worth the price of admission all on its own.)
I listened to this audiobook with my adult son, and despite the flaws it was worthwhile for the historical perspective as well as for the discussion and analysis it sparked on topics from geopolitical history to social issues to narrative structure. Heck, we probably clocked more hours talking than it actually took to listen to the book!
(Side note specific to the audiobook: In the introduction to one of the volumes, Stephen Fry opens up about the impact Sherlock Holmes had on his life when he was young. IMO, it's worth the price of admission all on its own.)
resa_readingig's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
christyrunsdc's review against another edition
4.0
Sherlock Holmes is a classic. I didn't like the novels but I loved the short stories. I just wish I hadn't tired to read it all in one go...it took me 2 months!
bookedwithgloria's review against another edition
5.0
Finally
I have finally finished reading Sherlock Holmes and his wonderful stories! This book did not miss any and it was great to have them all in one place.
I have finally finished reading Sherlock Holmes and his wonderful stories! This book did not miss any and it was great to have them all in one place.
hannah_dillard's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed most of the stories...VERY long book, and just skimmed through the last hundred pages. Good to read the original material!
bopapps's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
apetruce's review against another edition
3.0
Ok, so I didn't read ALL of this, but I did read enough to get the idea. I'm not a fan of mysteries, but after watching the PBS Sherlock series I thought picturing Benedict Cumberbatch as I read the "real" S.H. would be edifying. Eh. I'll go back to the show.