This week, our billiard friends from the Retired Beekeepers of Sussex released a free online copy of the latest volume of The Practical Handbook of Bee Culture, which includes contributions from JHWS members “Pippin” and “Misty.” Bravo!
One of my favorite contributions to their volume is Basil’s illustrated essay, “Reading Holmes as a Trans Man.” I love it because the essay shares a view of the Canon that is not familiar to how I read the cases. In fact, seeing it through a different lens adds a new facet to my observations that I never considered before.
By reading through another Sherlockian’s perspective, we can encounter a fresh view of the Canon and observe new connections and ideas. I believe that is a big part of what makes The Watsonian such an exciting read.
So have you ever read a work related to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, or spoke to a fellow Sherlockian, and was surprised to see the Canon viewed and interpreted in a different way? What did you learn from the experience? Tell us about it!
Very well done, a high quality magazine indeed. Many “queer” points of view and very interesting reading so far (I only had time to read two or three essays.) Very stimulating, food for thought.
Another interesting point of view I read recently was when I picked up several pastiche written in Japan. They haven’t been translated, though I hope one day they will be because they are fascinating. If I ever get the time and opportunity, I would love to write about the real life iconic Japanese author, Natsume Soseki, and why there are pastiche where he meets Sherlock Holmes. (And also why such encounters rarely go well!)
I can’t think of a concrete example to quote at the moment, but I’m often surprised when I read an essay describing how badly Holmes fails in certain cases. I remember reading one that was very very negative about Holmes’s efforts in FIVE. I found it hardly fair considering the circumstances of his engagement in the events. However, the author did challenge me to think about the case differently than I originally had.
Yeah, that’s a good example, Margie. 🙂 Reading an essay that you don’t completely agree with can offer an intellectual challenge and allow you to see things in a fresh way. One thing I like about monthly meetings of the Sound of the Baskervilles is how we discuss a case from multiple points of view – some will love the case and others will dislike it, but we all learn from sharing our own thoughts on it.