Honest review of The Adventures of Gerard

by Arthur Conan Doyle (Author)

Updated at: 19/01/2025

Step aside, Sherlock Holmes! Arthur Conan Doyle, the master of mystery, reveals a different side of his genius in The Adventures of Brigadier Etienne Gerard. Published in 1903, this vibrant collection of short stories plunges readers into the heart of the Napoleonic Wars. Follow the flamboyant and self-assured Gerard, a French cavalry officer, through thrilling escapades of espionage, daring escapes, and romantic entanglements. Doyle's signature wit shines through Gerard's first-person narration, creating a blend of humor, adventure, and historical drama. Experience the vibrant backdrop of war-torn Europe and the unforgettable exploits of a truly unique hero, whose courage and unwavering loyalty ultimately win the day, despite his often comical ego. A captivating departure from Doyle's detective stories, The Adventures of Gerard offers a delightful escape into a world of swashbuckling heroism.

4.4 / 34 ratings

Review The Adventures of Gerard

My experience with "The Adventures of Gerard" was...mixed, to say the least. While the concept – a collection of swashbuckling short stories following a flamboyant French cavalry officer during the Napoleonic Wars, penned by the master of mystery himself, Arthur Conan Doyle – sounded utterly delightful, the execution, at least in the version I encountered, left much to be desired.

Several reviewers mentioned a stilted, almost machine-translated quality to the language, and I unfortunately found myself agreeing. The prose felt strangely unnatural, lacking the flow and charm I expect from a classic author like Doyle. It felt like reading a very well-structured, yet strangely lifeless, imitation of his style, rather than the genuine article. It's a frustrating experience when you know the potential brilliance is there, buried beneath a layer of awkward phrasing and clunky sentence structures. It's as if someone meticulously translated the original text into a foreign language, only to translate it back again with a rigid adherence to literalness, losing all the nuance and wit in the process.

This is a significant drawback, especially considering the inherent charm of the premise. The idea of Brigadier Etienne Gerard, a character described as spirited, comically self-important, and yet undeniably brave and loyal, is incredibly appealing. The promise of tales filled with daring escapes, romantic entanglements, and the vivid backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars should have been irresistible. And, honestly, parts of it were. Even through the linguistic fog, the underlying plotlines and character interactions frequently shone through. I could glimpse the wit and adventure promised in the book description; I could see the potential for a genuinely captivating read.

The disconnect between the captivating narrative potential and the frustrating execution created a significant cognitive dissonance. I found myself constantly battling the awkward phrasing, trying to piece together the intended meaning, rather than simply losing myself in the story. It’s like trying to appreciate a beautiful painting viewed through a dirty windowpane – the potential is clear, but the obstruction significantly diminishes the overall enjoyment.

Had I read a version free from these translation issues, I suspect my opinion would be vastly different. The descriptions of historical settings and the overall tone of adventure strongly suggest a compelling read. My experience has left me yearning for a genuine, unaltered version of Doyle’s work, to fully appreciate the brilliance that's clearly intended. Perhaps this is a testament to Doyle’s storytelling skill, that even in a flawed translation, the core story still managed to hold some interest. However, it also highlights the importance of finding reliable editions of classic literature, ensuring that the author’s original vision is properly preserved and accessible to readers. For now, I'd recommend proceeding with caution, investigating multiple versions before committing to a purchase. Perhaps a print copy, a trusted ebook version from a reputable source, or even an audiobook might offer a more satisfying experience. The potential is definitely there; it just needs a better vehicle to reach its full potential.