Review: Arthur & George

I listened to Arthur and George as an audiobook.
After reading many of the other Goodreads reviews, I understand that this is a novel that is better read in its original format - old fashioned print! It’s hard to appreciate the structure of the novel unless you are holding it in your hands!
Alternating chapters introduce us to our two main players: George Edjalji, an extremely bright Anglo-Indian who sees himself as a true Englishman, and Arthur, who of course we learn is the famous Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes. It is not until well past the half way mark that we learn how these two men are going to meet and relate. This is a clever device, bringing not only a tension to the narrative, but also letting the reader grow to know, understand and empathise with George and Arthur as individuals.
Oh, but the terrible injustice that is served to George is horrible to read! It made my blood boil! So when George applied to Arthur for help, and Arthur rallies to his side, I let out a very loud Hooray!
But no spoilers here…..
This is a perfect book. If I have a complaint, it’s a tiny one - I felt the end was rushed and not as confident as the rest of this wonderful book.

• Review
• Julian Barnes