Book 2 on my list to read in 2012 was Arthur and George by Julian Barnes.
Arthur & George tells the stor of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and George Edalji. Their stories are told alongside each other for the first part of the book, generally switching from one to the other. The stories cross paths as a result of the Great Wyrley Outrages.
The stories are based around true events and characters, and I find that period of literary history fascinating. I love Conan Doyle novels, and many of the other authors of the time, so each time another author’s name is mentioned it made me want to read more into this period. Throughout the book a range of sources are quoted widely, and there is a note at the end of the book to state that, with the exception of one letter, all quotes are authentic. I love this, as the story has been pieced together so fluidly, and incorporates a lot of detail which is taken from primary source material. It’s an amazing combination of imagination, story telling and historical narrative.
One of the things I love about reading is that it always inspires me to read more. Reading Arthur & George has made me want to read more novels from the same period, as well as make sure I put some time aside to read a bit more history, which I talked about a few months ago but haven’t really made much progress on. A few more to add to the list, but after reading Arthur & George I can’t wait to get onto my next book.
