The Effects of Aging on the Well-Known Sherlock Holmes Anonymous College

A commonality among most of the human race is the fear of what aging does to the body. Crafting a character famous for a sharp mind, not for bodily infirmity, Arthur Conan Doyle brought Sherlock Holmes to life and into the homes of many through his creative story telling. Holmes is known for his excessive brilliance and arrogant personality which tended to set him apart from the crowd. Mitch Cullin’s “A Slight Trick of the Mind,” shows the reader that even Sherlock Holmes experiences the indicators of one getting older. Mitch Cullin brings back an aged Holmes to show the reader the devastating effects of old age on the things most important in one’s life. Holmes’s very identity—defined by his intellect, work, and relationships—all suffer irredeemable blows with his increasing memory loss.

Cullin’s novel is placed in Sussex, England long after Holmes’ retirement. The reader is introduced to Holmes’ longtime fascination, beekeeping, in more depth. Along with the reintroduction of the bees, the reader is also acquainted with his caretaker and her son. Throughout the novel, the story of Holmes’ retirement is laid out as he works to remember the events that took place. Along with the overlying story, the reader experiences Holmes’...