Why It Helps to Read Sherlock In These Times
(By Guest Writer Abeer Punder)
Sherlock Holmes is my 2nd favourite story but at first, it felt like it wouldn’t even be on my top 10 list. So, before you make that same mistake, I will tell you everything you need to know about Sherlock Holmes.
The past 2 years have been a phase of living indoors and stayed glued onto screens while we read, talk and study. So taking a break from digital viewing and devices, and reading some Sherlock Holmes worked effectively in helping me relax and unwind. It engaged my mind in a manner that kept me wanting to read more.
So, here is a few bits of information you should know before reading Sherlock Holmes.
Be Patient and You Will Be Rewarded
Sherlock Holmes is that type of book that starts slow, but as it goes on, it becomes more interesting. So, even if it seems boring at the start be patient and keep on reading. Before judging the book, we must remember that Sherlock and Dr Watson originally lived in a time and age that was very different from ours! Being elaborate and being thorough, attention to detail was part of life for educated elite in Britain. Sherlock’s eccentricities aside, he works on cases involving the privileged most times. So the pace at which the story unfolds is also slower than most.
If you continue to read, you will be sucked into his stories and adventures. Sherlock didn’t have an easy life, and some of his investigations were very complicated. But read through and the end will almost always surprise you!
Try To Figure Stuff Out On Your Own
Sherlock Holmes are detective stories, and to make it more fun for yourself try to solve mysteries or try to find clues before they are revealed. I keep trying but don’t always succeed. However I have noticed that if I stay focused while reading these stories, and I stay on track with the author’s little nuanced hints, I tend to crack some cases! It’s fun to follow a story so attentively but when you stay focused, the joy of getting close to solving a Sherlock mystery is quite something!
Pay Attention to Everything in the beginning
In the start of every story, Sherlock Holmes will be a little boring. But, don’t let that catch you off guard. When the book goes on the starting information which they give is really important. So, pay attention, and know that all the boringness will be gone before you know it.
Sherlock Holmes has appealed to generations, in different formats and with different versions of rebooting. The web series by BBC, although not in my age bracket, is a global success. It retains the essential character of the pipe-smoking detective- eccentric, moody and obsessive. While TV series and even films on Holmes proliferate, I would suggest picking up the book for anyone who wants to use their personal ‘mind castles’ at a time when there’s little we can do but stay safe and look ahead.
Enjoy the book!