Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Discusses the Progression of the Sherlock Holmes Literary Tradition
Famed basketball legend and author Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently spoke with author Lyndsay Faye about his latest novel, "Mycroft and Sherlock," a follow-up to his 2015 debut, "Mycroft Holmes." Abdul-Jabbar discussed the changes between the two novels, the unique challenges of setting the story in London, collaborating with co-author Anna Waterhouse, and the impact drug use has on the narrative.
Faye began by asking Abdul-Jabbar how he elevated the sequel, to which the author responded that Mycroft's physical impairments and secretive nature made him more intriguing and open to new developments. Additionally, the plot was designed to be more "twisty" to compensate for Mycroft's sedentary lifestyle.
As for the setting, Abdul-Jabbar explained that while "Mycroft Holmes" took place in Trinidad, a location relevant to his own cultural history, "Mycroft and Sherlock" primarily unfolded in London, the traditional setting of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. This shift presented similar research challenges, as they needed to authenticate the characters' experiences in Victorian-era London.
Regarding Mycroft's personality and evolution, Abdul-Jabbar stated that they based their portrayal on every story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, ensuring that Mycroft remained a complex, multifaceted character, rather than a one-dimensional figure.
In addressing the issue of drug use in the novel, Abdul-Jabbar stated that Sherlock's drug use was primarily shown as a means to accomplish his goals, rather than an end in itself, avoiding depictions of addiction. Mycroft, meanwhile, exhibited a desire for romance and family but was shown struggling with heartbreak, which further shaped his character.
Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse's combined writing style creates vivid and atmospheric prose, with duties divided based on each author's strengths. They have completed a third book, which is due for release at the end of next year.
When asked about how historical fiction enables the exploration of marginalized groups, Abdul-Jabbar commented on the dearth of representation in original Sherlock Holmes narratives, pointing out that people of color and lower classes were often overlooked. Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse made a conscious effort to shed light on these neglected figures, staying true to the era while bringing much-needed representation to their work.
Source: the unnamed publication's interview between Lyndsay Faye and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse (specific publication or date not provided).
Books like "Mycroft Holmes" and "Mycroft and Sherlock" by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse provide a unique blend of entertainment and literature, with their novels revolving around the character Mycroft Holmes. While the first book took place in Trinidad, the sequel primarily unfolds in London, offering a fresh yet authentic perspective of Victorian-era London.
