Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle was a renowned Scottish writer and physician best known for creating the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. In the novel, he is portrayed as a man grappling with grief over his wife's illness and death, as well as guilt over his decade-long platonic affair with another woman. Driven by his strong sense of justice, Doyle takes up the case of George Edalji after receiving a letter pleading for his help .

George Edalji
George Edalji was a solicitor from a Parsi Indian family living in the English village of Great Wyrley. In 1903, he was wrongfully convicted of mutilating horses and cattle and sentenced to seven years in prison. Despite maintaining his innocence, Edalji\s case highlighted the racial prejudices of the time. After his release, he wrote to Doyle seeking his assistance in clearing his name.

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The Nature of Truth and Storytelling
Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, represents the power of narrative and imagination, while George Edalji, the wrongfully accused solicitor, is grounded in facts and reality. The novel examines the tension between these two perspectives.

Racial Prejudice and Injustice
George Edalji, being of mixed race, faces discrimination and is wrongfully convicted due to racial bias, despite a lack of evidence. The novel highlights the injustices faced by minorities in Victorian England.

Honor and Morality
Arthur struggles with his sense of honor and morality, particularly regarding his feelings for Jean Leckie while still married to his wife Touie. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships and personal ethics.

The Legal System
The novel critiques the flaws in the legal system, as George is convicted on circumstantial evidence and denied proper appeals. It also touches on the introduction of an appeals court in England, inspired by cases like George's.

Spiritualism and Belief
Arthur's interest in spiritualism and the supernatural contrasts with George's rational, fact-based worldview, raising questions about the nature of belief and knowledge.

Overall, "Arthur & George" talks about themes of truth, prejudice, morality, and the human capacity for both injustice and redemption.

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The novel was praised for its meticulous research and engaging narrative. Critics lauded Barnes's ability to weave historical events with fictional elements, creating a compelling and thought-provoking story.

Reviewers appreciated the depth of the characters, particularly the portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edalji. Barnes was commended for bringing these historical figures to life, highlighting their complexities and making them relatable to contemporary readers.

The dual narrative, alternating between Arthur's and George's perspectives, was seen as a strength of the book. This structure allowed Barnes to delve deeply into their individual stories while gradually revealing how their lives intersected.

Overall, "Arthur & George" is regarded as a well-crafted and engaging work that combines historical fiction with a profound exploration of social issues, reflecting Julian Barnes's literary skill and storytelling prowess.

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