The Seven-Percent Solution (1993) - Plot & Excerpts
One of the more successful Holmes pastiches in that the writer has a distinctive take on Holmes rather than simply replicating Conan Doyle’s version. It’s a version of Holmes recognisable from the original stories but which takes account of psychological theories and analysis over the years – Nicholas Meyer is even kind enough to point to his particular influences in the acknowledgements. There were perhaps moments which don’t convince, but these can be explained away by the fug of addiction and, perhaps, bravado.Meyer actually incorporates the most obvious influence, Freudian analysis, into the story itself. The collision of Holmes and Freud makes for an entertaining contrast, even if the Freudian analysis of the last few pages comes across as too pat to be convincing. It’s marginally the weaker part of the book, but only because it’s Holmes pastiche at heart. The first section (‘The Problem’) is far more interesting as it’s a thorough exploration of Meyer’s take on the character which cheekily upends a couple of Conan Doyle’s stories. Perhaps it’s simply a case that showing, not telling, is more engaging. Ultimately what raises this above standard pastiche is Meyer’s playful wit, particularly with regards to his use of Moriarty, use of footnotes to comment on inconsistencies in the original stories and inserting Holmes, Watson and Freud into the margins of established history. Holmes’ uncanny foresight of an imminent war might be stretching things a touch far and strays into the guesswork Holmes professes to despise, but it’s forgivable when the author’s clearly having fun. Perhaps the zealous application of Freudian theory dates this a touch but it remains good fun.
This book was recommended to me by Sil (anivlisandbooks), who could not have been more spot on with a recommendation! I really love the original Sherlock Holmes stories by Conan Doyle, and I love reading anything that extends that universe. The Seven Per-Cent Solution is in a way your usual retelling of a Sherlock Holmes story because it essentially retells The Reichenbach Falls by imaging a different reason why Holmes might disappear for months. What I liked about it, though, was that it was 1) a fairly plausible alternate explanation given the way Holmes is characterized in Conan Doyle’s stories and 2) that it linked the stories into a broader historical context. Kind of like how the Conan Doyle original The Five Pips references racism in the U.S, and kind of pulls us out of the illusion of a closed Holmes universe, Meyers’ book connects Holmes with Freud. When I first heard about the premise of connecting Holmes and Freud, I was immediately intrigued because, I mean, come on, that just promises all kinds of fun; the actual story doesn’t disappoint. This was a quick read but very fun and gripping without becoming absurd, and there was still enough emotional weight to make it feel important to me. The writing was also a good imitation (I think) of how John Watson narrates in Conan Doyle’s stories. All in all, a great read, and I would definitely recommend it if you like Sherlock Holmes, and again I can’t thank Sil enough for recommending it to me!Trigger Warnings: Drug use, depression, brief discussion of psychosis
What do You think about The Seven-Percent Solution (1993)?
نویسنده‌ی بی‌شخصیت اومده برای این‌که یه داستان بنویسه آقامون، (شرلوک هلمز) رو کرده: عملی! آخه این درسته؟ این کار انسانی‌زاده؟ حالا ما که آدمها و طرفداران متعصبی نیستیم که بریزیم خیابون، در تمام شهرها و کشورهایی که باهاشون رابطه داریم تظاهرات خودجوش بکنیم و فریاد بزنیم و شعار بدیم: هیهات من الذله! جانم فدای شرلوکحالا خوبه ما از این دسته طرفداران نیستیم. اما آقای نویسنده! شما که این قطب عالم امکان رو کردید عملی! حداقل می‌اومدی یک داستان درست و حسابی می‌نوشتی که در اون به جای داستان‌گویی به مزخرف‌گویی نیفتی. نمی‌دونم نویسنده مرده‌ست، زنده‌ست. اما فکر کنم پیر شده باشه. ارزش نداره حکم ترورش را صادر کنیم
—Saman
I devoured this story. Of course it doesn't read like Arthur Conan Doyle, but the author prefaces the book by offering explanations for Watson's change in narrative style, which come off as humorous rather than self-conscious, and having read all the Sherlock Holmes that Sir Conan Doyle wrote, I was glad for any more.Spoilers below!I loved how indulgent this book was: Want more Sherlock Holmes? Here he is. Throw in Sigmund Freud for funsies and mix with Holmes's most famous nemesis. Interested in the sordid? Let's expand on his coke addiction.I have my limits, though, and one of the two reasons this book gets 4 stars instead of 5 (because I really did enjoy it) is the absurd train-top duel at the end. I mean, REALLY. Here's the other reason:I just cannot go against the canon and accept that Professor Moriarty is not really an evil genius. I appreciated the author's stab at explaining some of Holmes's history, but I'd simply just rather believe that Professor Moriarty is Holmes' nemesis. And not merely because Arthur Conan Doyle decreed it so. It's just more thrilling to think about Holmes working against a foe of a comparable mental caliber. Throughout the entire book, I mean up to the last word, I just kept waiting for Moriarty to jump out with an "AHA! I was behind EVERYTHING!" and for Holmes to be vindicated. Oh, well. I certainly wouldn't unread it.
—Mae
I have seen an 'modern' adaption of Sherlock Holmes that lacked the very soul of the Sherlock Holmes (I loathe that TV show), a couple of action movies that borrowed some bits from the original Sherlock Holmes (although these are two excellent movies). Read many fan fictions but none of them were like what Sir Doyle did. This book isn't different. Nothing clever, weak plot, and too many pages wasted on action sequences. Dr Watson's affection to Sherlock Holmes, matter of his cocaine addiction were pleasing, but nothing much for the readers who are looking for an ingenious Sherlock Holmes read.
—Sais Shishir
