Book review of The Land of Mist

by Arthur Conan Doyle (Author)

Updated at: 05/02/2025

Arthur Conan Doyle's The Land of Mist (1926), a captivating addition to the Professor Challenger series, takes a detour from its namesake, focusing instead on Challenger's daughter, Enid, and his friend, Edward Malone. Featuring 40 illustrations from the original Strand Magazine publication, the novel delves into the burgeoning world of spiritualism, deeply influenced by Doyle's personal grief following World War I. While Lord John Roxton from The Lost World makes a significant appearance, the central narrative follows Malone's evolving fascination with spiritualism, transforming from a detached investigation into a deeply personal journey mirroring Doyle's own. This blend of adventure, mystery, and supernatural elements offers a poignant reflection on life, death, and the possibility of an afterlife, exploring the conflict between scientific rationality and spiritual belief.

3.3 / 39 ratings

Review The Land of Mist

"The Land of Mist" is a very unusual book, a fascinating blend of adventure, mystery, and spiritual exploration that left me with a complex array of feelings. It's undeniably a product of its time, reflecting Arthur Conan Doyle's personal grief and evolving belief in spiritualism following the devastation of World War I. This deeply personal context profoundly shapes the narrative, making it far more than just another Professor Challenger adventure. While Challenger himself takes a backseat, the story's focus on Edward Malone's journey into spiritualism is compelling, offering a glimpse into Doyle's own intellectual and emotional grappling with the unknown.

Initially, I was a little thrown by the shift in focus. I went in expecting more of the thrilling, scientific escapades that characterize Doyle's other Challenger novels. Instead, I found myself immersed in a more introspective narrative, exploring the philosophical tension between scientific rationalism and spiritual belief. The portrayal of spiritualist meetings and séances felt surprisingly detailed and immersive, making the experiences almost tangible. Doyle's clear engagement with the subject matter, whether stemming from genuine belief or literary exploration, creates a captivating sense of atmosphere and suspense.

However, the book's age and historical context also introduce some complexities. The sometimes dated language and portrayal of certain cultural aspects can feel a bit jarring at times to a modern reader. There are moments where the narrative veers into what feels like thinly veiled proselytizing for spiritualism, potentially detracting from the overall narrative flow for those not already sympathetic to the topic. The novel's depiction of spiritual entities also showcases the biases inherent in the Anglo-Saxon worldview prevalent at the time. This element, while historically revealing, could be seen as a flaw by some readers, particularly those sensitive to issues of cultural representation.

Despite these reservations, "The Land of Mist" remains an intriguing read. It's a unique piece of literary history, offering a window into the thoughts and feelings of a renowned author grappling with profound personal loss and existential questions. The narrative's core strength lies in its exploration of human vulnerability and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. The adventure elements, though secondary, still manage to inject moments of excitement and suspense. Overall, while not a perfect or flawlessly paced novel, "The Land of Mist" offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience that merits consideration, particularly for those interested in Doyle's life and the cultural currents of the early 20th century. It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish reading, prompting reflection on life, death, and the enduring human quest for understanding the mysteries of the universe.

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