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Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Sherlock Holmes' Birthday


It almost escaped my attention that, in addition to being Epiphany, it is also the illustrious Mr. Holmes' birthday! Hamlette at The Edge of the Precipice is doing a blogging party to celebrate so I thought I'd join in! 

The Good Old Index of Questions

1.  When and how did you first encounter Sherlock Holmes?

When I was younger I had a book of stories that included the Sherlock Holmes story 'The Speckled Band' which I loved. As I got older I read more and more Sherlock Holmes stories. The complete works was one of the first books I purchased with my own meager monies :) 

2.  Please share a fact or two about yourself related to Holmes.  (You've read the whole canon, you've been to Baker Street, you're an official BSI member, etc.)

I have not been to Baker Street, even though I was in London and I am super depressed about this fact. My professor wouldn't let me, and I may never recover. :(  

3.  What are three of your favorite Holmes adventures?

The Speckled Band will always have a special place in my heart since it was the first. Probably my actual favorite is The Adventure of the Yellow Face because I loved the human elements that popped up in that story. I think it actually made me tear up. Another favorite of mine is The Hound of the Baskervilles which is a bit cliche I guess, but there's a reason it's so popular. It's just so good!

4.  What draws you to the Sherlock Holmes stories?

I really love the mysteries. They're fun to try and figure out. I also like The Sherlock/John dynamic. I'm pretty sure John is as interested in Sherlock as the fans are! 

5.  If you were going to give Sherlock Holmes a birthday present, what would it be?

A MURDER! No, but I can't think of anything that would really interest him. Maybe samples of soot from different spots in London. 

6.  If you could climb into a Holmes story and replace any one character for a day, who would you like to be?

Is 'no one' an acceptable answer? I love the stories, but I don't think I'd like to actually be involved in one! If I have to pick, I'd pick Mary Morstan in The Sign of Four, because that's a fun story. 

7.  Please share some of your favorite Holmes-related quotes!

I'm thinking about the Adventure of the Yellow Face now, so those are the quotes that are sticking in my mind:

"...where he failed it happened too often that no one else succeeded... Now and again, however, it chanced that even when he erred the truth was still discovered."

"...when [Munro's] answer came it was one of which I love to think. He lifted the little child, kissed her, and then, still carrying her, he held his other hand out to his wife and turned towards the door." <<<Ok, this actually made me cry

6 comments:

  1. "The Yellow Face" is one of the absolute sweetest Holmes stories. It's not one I've read often, but you're right, it's wonderful.

    Your professor is mean. Humbug.

    And your initial answer to the birthday present question cracks me up! It made me think of this moment from the BBC's Sherlock (FYI, link just leads to a photo of Sherlock with words, not an image of a murder!)

    Thanks for joining the party!

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    1. Ug, I know. Because of my professor I have to go BACK to London ;p

      I'll admit, I was thinking of BBC Sherlock which I wrote my initial answer to no. 5 :)

      Thanks for hosting the party!

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  2. I love The Yellow Face as well, and I cry at the ending! I think Mr Holmes would appreciate either of your birthday present suggestions :D

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    1. It really is my favorite. This post made me go and read it again last night! :)

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  3. I am so sorry you couldn't go to Baker Street during your trip to London. But let me share this with you : almost the same thing happened to me : I went to London, one summer when I was 13 and taking an English summer course. I literally spent the day near Baker Street (we visited Mrs Tussauds and Regent's Park) without stepping into it. I was frustrated for years. Finally, last October, I was able to travel to London again, on my own this time, and Baker Street was one of my first stops, some 14 years later. It took time but I did it and I dearly hope you'll visit Baker Street too one day.

    I've never been a fan of 'The adventure of the yellow face' wich I read quite some time ago, but your enthusiasm for this story as made me curious and now I want to re-read it and see if I would consider it differently now.

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  4. I'm glad to hear there's some hope for me :) But in all honesty, while I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to do /everything/ I wanted to do in England, I still had a fabulous time, so I can't really complain :) I'll go back one day (especially now that I've discovered you can get SUPER cheap overseas flights through Norwegian Air!).

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