In one week
Mary Russell would be 21 years, when she would inherit property and a lot of
money. She is preparing an essay for her study in Oxford, and in boring mood
she goes to London in search of her intimate friend, partner and mentor:
Sherlock Holmes. On top of a hansom cab—one of Holmes’ disguises—Holmes tells
her that he knows why she has searched for him; it is because she wants him to
marry her. Mary is offended by this, and she runs away. In her confusion, she
meets her friend from Oxford, Lady Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Beaconsfield, whom
introduces her to The New Temple of God and its charismatic preacher Margery
Childe.
Margery
turns out to be a feminist, who in her preaches criticizes male preachers for
impeding women to study and discuss religion; she believes that God created men
and women equal. Russell is interested in Margery, and agrees to teach her
about her research in theology, that God was also referred in feminine (not
only masculine) in original bible manuscript. Then some events take place; from
a mysterious murder of a rich woman from the inner circle of The New Temple of
God, to Ronnie’s accident. Is Margery involved in all that? What she is after
if it’s true? Or is it something else?
The second
installment of Mary Russell series saw Mary Russell growing up to be a woman.
Out of the criminal mystery, it is about how Russell became a woman in
particularly the 1920s era. The sparks of attraction between Russell and
Holmes, which has started in Beekeeper’s Apprentice, now reaches its momentum. I can feel how restless Russell
is when she is separated from Holmes, but it gets even more intense whenever
she is with Holmes. And I see the same thing in Holmes, he seems to lose his
coolness more than before everytime Russell is in danger.
Apart from
the mystery—which I don’t find very special—and the romance, this book is still
interesting because of the religious and historical feminism aspect in 1920s. Many
men had died during World War 1 and left their wives widows, but they who
survived came home as different men. They became more savage after witnessing
the cruelness at war, and many of them could not get jobs. These problems
increased women’s involvement in the society. There were many social
organizations focusing in women education, health care, and shelter, just like
what Margery Childe in this story does.
King framed
the feminism issue with theological discussion on women involvement on the
bible. This is revealed in Margery and Russell’s discussion based on Russell’s
major in Theology she studied at Oxford, about how God has actually been
referred in Old Testament.
While speaking
of feminism, I could not but thinking about Russell-Holmes’ partnership, which
I believe a good example of what women should practice. There is equality in it,
in terms of making decision and job description; and I like how Russell
emphasizes this to Holmes on many occasions, and Holmes—despite being reluctant
or just isn’t yet familiar with the idea—fully respects Russell’s initiatives. However,
in some circumstances, where Russell is helpless and in danger, she puts trust
in Holmes to save her. I disagree with a feminism-essay writer who was
disappointed with the ending because Russell needs Holmes to help her. I believe
the focus of feminism should be to get the same rights as men, not to be
superior. God has created us equal, men and women, to become partners, because
they have their uniqueness and thus could fill what lack in the partner. From
the first series it has been clear that Russell and Holmes are made for
partners, because only with both qualities, they could beat their enemies.
This second
book is less entertaining, but more intriguing, so I think three and a half
stars would be fair enough.
~~~~~~~
*I read the translation edition from Qanita (part of Mizan
Publishing group)*
*I read this for:*
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