Book Review: The Tragedy of the Korosko by Arthur Conan-Doyle

This novel is quite short and concerns itself with a boorish group of western tourists in the Middle East. They have imperliast views, look down on the locals and consider that their version of civilisation is better too.

The local tribesmen consider that their culture is better and they are guided by their leader to kidnap the westerners and try to change them to their way of thinking.

It was disappointing to read this book in one way as the scenario played out could have been contemporary rather than 1898 when this novel was published. The current troubles and clashes of culture in the Middle East and its relationship with the West does not seem to have improved.

The book, a work of fiction however is very well written and easy to read. Some of the language is stuck in its time but it is well worth reading this novel once you have read the Sherlock Holmes books of course!

8/10 for me on this one.

Book Review: The Doings of Raffles Haw by Arthur Conan-Doyle

Raffles Haw is the richest man in the world, he has gained his money by being able to turn lead into gold.

He moves to Tamfield and bestows all sorts of gifts on the community. He also befriends the McIntyre family (father, son and daughter) and he lets the son and daughter into world.

He helps the son by being a generous partron of his art and he also falls in love with the daughter. The father, a mean and bitter old man, does not experience the benevolence of Raffles Haw.

So much money that Raffles Haw tries to do good with but it changes his relationships and the lives of the people of Tamfield, a town outside of Birmingham. The book gives a wonderful insight into how money changes lives, both for good and bad.

I really enjoyed reading this short book and 8/10 for me.

Recommended Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

ACD of course wrote all of the Sherlock Holmes books. If you haven't read these yet, then what are you waiting for. They are generally quite short and great fun to read. The language is a bit dated I suppose but this is part of the fun.

ACD has also written other books of thriller type or just good stories. Worth checking him out, a fascinating man. The Sherlock Holmes novels and short stories are not to be missed even if you don't fancy reading his over books.

You can see ACD's books list on Fantastic Fiction.