The Sign of the Four

Inspired by the recent Sherlock Holmes, this morning I reread Arthur Conan Doyle's novella, The Sign of the Four. It's an interesting story combining family drama, exotic weapons, the Indian Mutiny, hidden treasure, and a little romance (Watson and Mary Morstan). I think it would make a good film. It's a quick read if you'd like something to read over the break. The dullest part is the long explanation at the end of the story, something Doyle was often guilty of. At least the long explanation here is an interesting story on its own. The most disappointing element (though honestly I expected it) was how featureless and passive Mary is. She's not beautiful but Watson is struck by the soulful aspect of her eyes. Apart from hiring Holmes and accompanying them on the first night's meetings, she does nothing but wait. She and Watson fall in love based on their limited interactions on the first day and by their holding hands late at night when a character has been discovered dead.