Baker Street Irregulars discussion

I have had this book forever but had yet to read it. I also haven't read anything by Michael Chabon.

our group member 'DAN' has read it

-> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

lets c if he can say more abt it

I've started this book last night. Man, it's short! I'll probably finish it tonight. I think it's really good so far, but I do think the whole "old man" bit, never referring to Sherlock Holmes by name, is gimmicky and cutesy, as is the code talking parrot. But I'm over it. I figure it's basically a kids' book, anyway, my cynical adult heart can stand a little whimsy.

Really want to read that one!

Me too, I've been wanting to read it for ages. Sounds like a perfect blend of classic Sherlockian mystery and 20th century history!

Just started this today. We will see how it goes....

Finished The Final Solution yesterday. It was the first Chabon book I read, and it definitely made me want to read his other novels, or at least some of them. His writing is beautiful and subtle and touching, the story is suberbly crafted ... BUT the novel is very short indeed, and I was a tad disappointed by the denouement. Loveable characters, but all in all the plot lacked suspense.

"The Final Solution" is a small masterpiece, and I recommend those who found it lacking to brush up on your World War II history. The story was touching and sweet, a wonderful goodbye to a great hero. Worthy in every respect.

Stephen wrote: ""The Final Solution" is a small masterpiece, and I recommend those who found it lacking to brush up on your World War II history. The story was touching and sweet, a wonderful goodbye to a great he..."

Ooo, are there some bits I may have missed? What in particular are you referring to?

Joanna wrote: "What in particular are you referring to? "

I'd also like to know ...

You do know what the title refers to, correct?

Stephen wrote: "You do know what the title refers to, correct?"

Hahaha, yes, actually, I did know that. I was hoping you guys had something more interesting or intelligent to add, in particular about the book and not just a rant about kids these days? But if not...

@Stephen: Can you imagine what it feels like to live a short distance from the Wannsee? I do. It's more than painful, believe me. I wish more people were aware of what happened there.

However, I have a problem with The Final Solution as this book's title, because

1) The author only hints at the boy's family's fate (to my knowledge), all in all the Holocaust remains a very marginal topic in this novel – does Chabon ever address it in plain words? I have the impression that he gingerly avoids the issue, in a way.

2) The old man doesn't really offer a satisfying 'final solution' to the problem presented in the case, does he? So that was a bit of a let-down, too.

3) Let's not forget 'The Final Problem' (The Memoirs of SH)

The beauty about Chabon is that he doesn't need plain words; you can feel the evil lurking just outside the frame,and remember, no one knew how bad it was at the time.

The Detective's eventual solution may not be perfect, but its very flaws tell us that this really is the end of the line, and that's sad.

Stephen wrote: "The beauty about Chabon is that he doesn't need plain words"

I second that. And please don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to criticise Chabon for not expounding on the Holocaust. He is subtle, and this approach works fine within the boundaries of his novel.
Still, for this very reason I think it shouldn't be called The Final Solution, but that's just my two cents.