Arthur & George Summary & Key Insights

Julian Barnes's "Arthur & George" tells the intertwined stories of Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and George Edalji, a Parsi solicitor wrongly accused of mutilating animals. The novel, while fictionalized, draws heavily on historical events and documents, blending fact and imaginative reconstruction to explore themes of justice, prejudice, and the power of belief.

The narrative unfolds primarily through two distinct timelines. One follows Doyle's established success and growing interest in social justice, particularly after he encounters the Edalji case. The other centers on George Edalji himself, a quiet, bookish man living in a small Staffordshire village, suddenly accused of a series of bizarre crimes involving the maiming of livestock. Edalji, despite his impeccable character and lack of motive, is swiftly convicted and endures years of unjust imprisonment, his reputation shattered. His father, a devout clergyman, is also deeply affected by the situation.

Doyle, initially skeptical, becomes increasingly intrigued by Edalji's case, seeing parallels between the flawed police investigation and the meticulous detective work he portrays in his fiction. He is struck by the circumstantial nature of the evidence and the palpable prejudice against Edalji, fueled by his ethnicity and social standing. Driven by a sense of fairness and perhaps a desire to prove the fallibility of the justice system he so often celebrates in his fiction, Doyle launches a personal crusade to exonerate Edalji.

This crusade forms the heart of the narrative, as Doyle uses his fame and influence to challenge the Staffordshire police and the establishment, exposing their incompetence and bias. He meticulously investigates the case himself, employing Holmesian methods, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. His investigation is arduous, encountering resistance and even threats, yet his persistent belief in Edalji's innocence fuels his efforts. The novel details Doyle's methods and his gradual uncovering of flaws in the original investigation, highlighting the weaknesses of relying solely on circumstantial evidence and the dangers of prejudice within the legal system.

Ultimately, Doyle's relentless pursuit of justice leads to a partial vindication for Edalji. While not completely clearing his name at first, Doyle's efforts expose enough flaws to force a review of the case, eventually leading to Edalji's release and a partial apology. However, the scars of his wrongful conviction remain, highlighting the long-lasting impact of injustice. The novel concludes by reflecting on the disparity between Doyle’s fictional championing of justice and the real-life complexities and imperfections of the legal system he encounters. Through the parallel narratives of these two men, Barnes explores the nature of truth, the importance of due process, and the enduring power of individual conviction in the face of powerful institutions.