A review by malima
The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer, Peter Ferguson
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
The case was interesting enough, albeit a little weird, and I must admit that I think I like the changes they did to the case for the movie more, but this book wins me over with Enola's personal development, the way she made and continues to make her way in the world in her time and the limits she has, as well with the character interactions.
I loved getting to know Watson a little bit, and the way Enola directly latches onto him emotionally. One of my favorite parts of catching up with the Sherlock Holmes short stories is how much Sherlock and Dr. Watson care about each other, and I was very happy to see this reflected here, and in a way that ties it in with the care Sherlock has for his younger sister, despite not knowing her all that much yet.
And as to Enola and Sherlock... again, they barely interacted directly and out of disguise, but idolising her older brother, wanting to be like him and yearning for him to care about her is one of her defining character traits, and I really like how she goes about it and how she juggles this with regard to her own need and want for freedom and agency, and the way she makes her work as a detective (or "perditorian") her own and distinct from Sherlock's even if he is her role model.
I also really enjoyed the treatment of her wish for companionship and the loneliness coming with not being able to get it.
I can't wait to continue to follow along on Enola's journey!
I loved getting to know Watson a little bit, and the way Enola directly latches onto him emotionally. One of my favorite parts of catching up with the Sherlock Holmes short stories is how much Sherlock and Dr. Watson care about each other, and I was very happy to see this reflected here, and in a way that ties it in with the care Sherlock has for his younger sister, despite not knowing her all that much yet.
And as to Enola and Sherlock... again, they barely interacted directly and out of disguise, but idolising her older brother, wanting to be like him and yearning for him to care about her is one of her defining character traits, and I really like how she goes about it and how she juggles this with regard to her own need and want for freedom and agency, and the way she makes her work as a detective (or "perditorian") her own and distinct from Sherlock's even if he is her role model.
I also really enjoyed the treatment of her wish for companionship and the loneliness coming with not being able to get it.
I can't wait to continue to follow along on Enola's journey!