Baker Street Irregulars discussion
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The Beekeeper's Apprentice
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Group Read: A Beekeeper's Apprentice
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I like the thought that Holmes isn't so alone in his intellectual pursuits, and that Mrs. Hudson is finally looked upon with admiration.
I'm not finished yet, am I the only one?
I loved the first meeting, it makes me laugh every time. The awe, anger, pride, and arrogance Russell shows is so teenager.
I couldn't agree more with Alexandra's analysis that King's version makes Russell "the new Holmes" and demotes Holmes to practically a "sidekick" status. Since Doyle's evidently the foundation, it doesn't do for a modern pasticheur to act *too* superior to him.One aspect I didn't much like was the revelation of Russell's past. (Not to give too much away, but something that guilt-inducing is likely to have a formative effect on a young child of repression and depression... rather than the wholly-confident, india-rubber obnoxiousness displayed by Russell when she first meets Holmes.)
I suppose it all depends on whether you like the character of Mary Russell or not. If you do like her, there are definite plus points to TBA and others in this series: King has an intelligent and elegant prose style, and Holmes fans will delight in spotting the shout-outs to other stories.
I was put off by the premise of the age thing - creepy ! No I disliked the whole because of my aversion to the idea of the author vicariously living her fantasy via her character - do your research before destroying beloved characters. I will not be reading anymore of this series.
I also was put off by the age difference which (it's been years since I read the book) I think the author justified by shaving a decade off of Holmes' age. Whether you agree with the chronology or not, it's pretty much the consensus in the Holmes world that Jan 6, 1854 was his birth date.Reminded me of that Holmes quote about not twisting facts to fit your theories.
Barbara wrote: "I also was put off by the age difference which (it's been years since I read the book) I think the author justified by shaving a decade off of Holmes' age. Whether you agree with the chronology or ..."As I see it the established birth date on 6/1/1854 for Sherlock is just that, established. Therefore we will call it a fact, and, as you say the author has twisted the facts to suit her purpose. But the concept still gives me the creeps - too much of the feel of the libertine to make it acceptable to mess with an established character with an unblemished reputation. Still yuchy to me !
Lately someone told me that there had been a planned film or television version of The Beekeeper's Apprentice just before covid hit. I never heard anything about it, or whether it's still in development, though I believe there was a 3 or 4 part radio adaptation of the book about 4 years ago.
I found a link from Laurie King's web site that mentioned the article, with a lot of commentary going from 2020 to 2024! About a year ago ('23) in response to a question, King said the project had stalled.https://laurierking.com/2020/09/09/ru...
J. wrote: "Lately someone told me that there had been a planned film or television version of The Beekeeper's Apprentice just before covid hit. I never heard anything about it, or whether it's still in develo..."I do hope the whole idea has been binned by now.
Just read that the next Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes book will be out next month - I think its called Knave of Diamonds.
We will be starting soon. Read at your own pace, posting whatever you would like to discuss. When you post, please indicate the chapter and "spoiler" if appropriate! HAVE FUN!!!!