An Independent Woman

A Study in Scarlet Women

By Sherry Thomas

Victorian London was no place for a wilful, intelligent woman who did not wish to be married. Cue Charlotte Holmes. With little money, few options and a fierce desire for independence, this unsentimental young woman aspired to a life in which she could be master of her own fate. The story that follows recounts the beginning of her adventures.

Based loosely on the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this version focuses on female characters. The crime solving aspect of the story is quite good and very engaging, but when the tale is told from a woman’s point of view, it brings a new topic to the table: the condition of women and children during this period. The details of their plight may not be new to the reader, but this story puts a face on them. I was struck anew by how repressive and unforgiving society was at that time.

The unfortunate truth is that both women and men contributed to upholding these customs and laws, which were so disadvantageous to women. Even today, as we march in the streets wearing pink pussy hats, many of us still engage in slut-shaming women who claim a sexual freedom equal to that of men.

It occurs to me that we would be many times more powerful if we, as women, would stand together, rather than tear each other down.

I enjoyed this mystery partly because it is well written, and partly because I sympathize with Charlotte's plight. She had a formidable, inquisitive mind and found life within the confines of acceptable pursuits for women to be intolerable. She hoped for more, and set out to get it. I will be cheering her on in the sequel.