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The Mystery of Cloomber
What dark deed from the past haunts Major Heatherstone? Why does he live like a hermit at Cloomber Hall, forbidding his children to venture beyond the estate grounds? Why is he plagued by the sound of a tolling bell, and why does his paranoia rise to frantic levels each year on the fifth of October? With the sudden appearance of three shipwrecked Buddhist monks, the answers to these questions follow close behind.
Arthur Conan Doyle's Gothic thriller unfolds in his native Scotland, in a remote coastal village surrounded by dreary moors. The creator of Sherlock Holmes combines his skill at weaving tales of mystery with his deep fascination with spiritualism and the paranormal. First published in 1889, the novel offers a cautionary view of British colonialism in the form of a captivating story of murder and revenge.
Arthur Conan Doyle's Gothic thriller unfolds in his native Scotland, in a remote coastal village surrounded by dreary moors. The creator of Sherlock Holmes combines his skill at weaving tales of mystery with his deep fascination with spiritualism and the paranormal. First published in 1889, the novel offers a cautionary view of British colonialism in the form of a captivating story of murder and revenge.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1888
86 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.4k books24.1k followersSir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.
Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.
Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 21, 2022
The biggest irony about the life of Conan Doyle is that, he who created the biggest rationalist in literature, had believed in supernatural phenomena, superstitions and the like. So we can find loads of his tales, as novels and short stories that deal generously with such premises. As someone who read a huge volume of stories under the title Conan Doyle Stories, we cannot argue with the fact that he is a master of building suspense and tension even if he don't have the support of his iconic character Holmes.
That is the only positive factor if you are interested in checking out this "Holmes-less" novella. Almost more than half of the story deals with getting to know some quirky characters and a strange village. Once such formalities are done with, Doyle quickly change gears and take us to the partially predictable climax.
It is evident that Doyle didn't do an iota of research for this book. Otherwise how can a Buddhist monk be named Ghoolam Shah... A part for the story happens in Indo Afghan border. Doyle takes much pain to ensure that every instance of history, geography and politics of India that he mentions in passing is totally bull shit.
That is the only positive factor if you are interested in checking out this "Holmes-less" novella. Almost more than half of the story deals with getting to know some quirky characters and a strange village. Once such formalities are done with, Doyle quickly change gears and take us to the partially predictable climax.
It is evident that Doyle didn't do an iota of research for this book. Otherwise how can a Buddhist monk be named Ghoolam Shah... A part for the story happens in Indo Afghan border. Doyle takes much pain to ensure that every instance of history, geography and politics of India that he mentions in passing is totally bull shit.
November 26, 2022
Although not a mystery in the traditional sense, The Mystery of Cloomber takes several disparate and unique genre elements to combine them into a blend that is both interesting and classic. Here, Conan Doyle, writes about a Scottish family that gets new neighbors to their remote coastal home. When the neighbors reveal that they would prefer to isolate themselves at Cloomber Hall and live a reclusive existence the Hunter Wests decide to respect their wishes. Interestingly both families have a male and a female child. Eventually the Heatherstones sneak out of Cloomber Hall, and the Hunter Wests follow. Friendships arise and the inevitable romantic feelings also. We learn that there is a logical reason for isolation, but little do we realize how profoundly unbelievable the circumstances that have engendered this tale. Conan Doyle was an eclectic writer that wrote a variety of story types. This one more readily falls into a spiritual exploration than it would a mystery. Although it has mystery elements, it also has war elements, horror, and heavy spirituality. Trigger Warning for a British Imperialist tale, with war elements that highlight a bloodthirsty episode, misogynistic and racist language with antiquated values and violent imagery. Despite all of the TW, whenever approaching classic literature I am compelled to accept that my modern views as a Puerto Rican man may probably not be reflected in the work. I must choose to judge its values on a distinct set of criteria that are important to me, and then share those with you to inform you how and why I gave my rating. The beginning is a slow burn, so I subtract a half star, but once it got started, I was enthralled. There's a scene of heroism at the midpoint that was compelling. The supernatural elements are explained. There's racism that is subtle and unsubtle, subtract a half star. Everything else, I love. Excellent story. Gripping narrative. Richly drawn characters. Setting, mood, and tone were perfect. There's much to love here in this little-known classic piece.
August 30, 2022
Slightly mixed feelings on this. Readable and intriguing but not one of his best mysteries.
March 7, 2021
Ако търсите лека и бърза за четене класика, ако си падате по викторианските трилъри или пък ако чисто и просто вече сте изчели (и препрочели) всичко за Шерлок Холмс и сте жадни за още, то „Загадката на имението „Клумбър“ (изд. „Сиела”) е именно за вас! Една от по-малко популярните творби на Сър Артър Конан Дойл се появява за първи път на български за радост на всички любители на готическите мистерии и наситените със съспенс кримки. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле”: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
December 15, 2014
Suspenseful supernatural mystery that does not feature Sherlock Holmes. Centers around a mysterious reclusive family that moves into a remote village. Their tale reaches from the shores of Ireland to the mountains of Afghanistan. Very gothic, and very enjoyable.
February 6, 2017
Supernatural mystery with a Scottish flavour...
January 31, 2020
Those mysterious Orientals...
When a new neighbour moves into the long vacant Cloomber Hall, our narrator John Hunter West and his father and sister are keen to make their acquaintance, since their estate in Wigtownshire, in Scotland’s southwestern corner, doesn’t afford much in the way of society. But they soon discover that the new tenant, Major Heatherstone, has an almost morbid aversion to company, preferring to keep himself and his family safely behind the new fences and gates he has installed all round the property. Youth finds ways to overcome these problems, however, and John and his sister, Esther, are soon romantically involved with the Major’s daughter, Gabriel, and son, Mordaunt, respectively. John soon learns that the Major’s reclusive habits are because he lives in constant fear, but of what he won’t reveal. However, his children tell the Wests that the Major’s fears intensify every year on October 5th, and then lessen once that date is safely past. This year, however, just a few days before the 5th, a terrible storm blows up and a ship is wrecked off the coast. The survivors include three mysterious men from the East – Buddhist mystics – and when Major Heatherstone hears of this, his fears reach new heights...
The narrator is writing this as a kind of statement to explain the events that follow, and includes various accounts given in the words of witnesses. This gives Conan Doyle the chance to use some Scottish dialect and he does it very well, making it sound very authentic while keeping it clear enough for non-Scots to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him in Scots mode, since mostly, like most Scots authors, he wrote in standard English to please the much larger English reading public. Most of this is in standard English too, but the dialect and locations give it a Scottish appeal.
In structure, it’s reminiscent of some of the longer Sherlock Holmes stories, in that it tells firstly of what happens in the present and then takes us back to the past to explain the reasons behind the events. It’s pretty clear from early on that the Major’s fears relate to something that he did when he was a serving officer in the Army. Conan Doyle was writing for a contemporary audience who would have been familiar with the campaigns the Major was involved in, but I must admit it took me a bit of time to work out where exactly he was. The Buddhists and the references to Sanskrit scholarship convinced me we were in India, as did the fact that the Major was leading troops including Sepoy soldiers. But there are references to Afghanistan too and John West tells us that the earlier events took place during the first Afghan War. It appears that they took place just over the border, where it was geographically Afghanistan but culturally still very similar to India, and the Indian troops were serving as part of the British Army in that war.
Conan Doyle was always interested in the mystical side of life even before he became so heavily involved in spiritualism, and this book is a real example of the then prevalent opinion of Eastern peoples as having mystical powers unknown to us in the West. There are lots of racial stereotypes and some unfortunate terminology, including use of the n-word, but if you can see past this, in fact Conan Doyle is expressing an admiration for a culture which he portrays as far more spiritually advanced than our own. He doesn’t overtly criticise the behaviour of the Brits in general, but he does show that the imperial belief in our racial superiority led some to commit acts that he in his time, like we in ours, would see as atrocities. His portrayal of the Buddhists is an intriguing insight into the mixture of fascination and fear that the mysterious people of the Orient held for Victorian Britain.
There’s mystery here, but there’s also a generous dollop of horror and very effective it is too! The start is a little slow, but once it gets going it becomes a real page-turner, full of tension as we see the Major haunted by his fears, and then drama as we reach the climax. The concluding section where we learn of the earlier events has its own different kind of horror, as we read the Major’s own diary account of what happened in Afghanistan. Great stuff, up there with the level of the Holmes’ long stories, and I’m at a loss as to why it’s not better known. Perhaps the outdated racial terms have made it fall out of favour, but I do think it’s worth making the effort to see them in their context and look more deeply at the underlying criticism of British imperialist attitudes implied in the story. Another example of wonderful storytelling from the master – highly recommended!
When a new neighbour moves into the long vacant Cloomber Hall, our narrator John Hunter West and his father and sister are keen to make their acquaintance, since their estate in Wigtownshire, in Scotland’s southwestern corner, doesn’t afford much in the way of society. But they soon discover that the new tenant, Major Heatherstone, has an almost morbid aversion to company, preferring to keep himself and his family safely behind the new fences and gates he has installed all round the property. Youth finds ways to overcome these problems, however, and John and his sister, Esther, are soon romantically involved with the Major’s daughter, Gabriel, and son, Mordaunt, respectively. John soon learns that the Major’s reclusive habits are because he lives in constant fear, but of what he won’t reveal. However, his children tell the Wests that the Major’s fears intensify every year on October 5th, and then lessen once that date is safely past. This year, however, just a few days before the 5th, a terrible storm blows up and a ship is wrecked off the coast. The survivors include three mysterious men from the East – Buddhist mystics – and when Major Heatherstone hears of this, his fears reach new heights...
The narrator is writing this as a kind of statement to explain the events that follow, and includes various accounts given in the words of witnesses. This gives Conan Doyle the chance to use some Scottish dialect and he does it very well, making it sound very authentic while keeping it clear enough for non-Scots to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him in Scots mode, since mostly, like most Scots authors, he wrote in standard English to please the much larger English reading public. Most of this is in standard English too, but the dialect and locations give it a Scottish appeal.
In structure, it’s reminiscent of some of the longer Sherlock Holmes stories, in that it tells firstly of what happens in the present and then takes us back to the past to explain the reasons behind the events. It’s pretty clear from early on that the Major’s fears relate to something that he did when he was a serving officer in the Army. Conan Doyle was writing for a contemporary audience who would have been familiar with the campaigns the Major was involved in, but I must admit it took me a bit of time to work out where exactly he was. The Buddhists and the references to Sanskrit scholarship convinced me we were in India, as did the fact that the Major was leading troops including Sepoy soldiers. But there are references to Afghanistan too and John West tells us that the earlier events took place during the first Afghan War. It appears that they took place just over the border, where it was geographically Afghanistan but culturally still very similar to India, and the Indian troops were serving as part of the British Army in that war.
Conan Doyle was always interested in the mystical side of life even before he became so heavily involved in spiritualism, and this book is a real example of the then prevalent opinion of Eastern peoples as having mystical powers unknown to us in the West. There are lots of racial stereotypes and some unfortunate terminology, including use of the n-word, but if you can see past this, in fact Conan Doyle is expressing an admiration for a culture which he portrays as far more spiritually advanced than our own. He doesn’t overtly criticise the behaviour of the Brits in general, but he does show that the imperial belief in our racial superiority led some to commit acts that he in his time, like we in ours, would see as atrocities. His portrayal of the Buddhists is an intriguing insight into the mixture of fascination and fear that the mysterious people of the Orient held for Victorian Britain.
There’s mystery here, but there’s also a generous dollop of horror and very effective it is too! The start is a little slow, but once it gets going it becomes a real page-turner, full of tension as we see the Major haunted by his fears, and then drama as we reach the climax. The concluding section where we learn of the earlier events has its own different kind of horror, as we read the Major’s own diary account of what happened in Afghanistan. Great stuff, up there with the level of the Holmes’ long stories, and I’m at a loss as to why it’s not better known. Perhaps the outdated racial terms have made it fall out of favour, but I do think it’s worth making the effort to see them in their context and look more deeply at the underlying criticism of British imperialist attitudes implied in the story. Another example of wonderful storytelling from the master – highly recommended!
March 17, 2022
Будистки монаси в изоставено английски имение, грабя! Йей!
Историята на Дойл:олеле, мъка!
Тука имаме пълен миш-маш ориенталци, което значи според автора, "н*гри, будисти персийски поети, (маймуни подразбира ли се?) будисти с фесове, будисти, които защитават знаме с надпис от Корана(ми не се харесват особено да ви кажа правичката), йоги, брамини абе всичко друго, но не и истински будисти.
Бях забравила защо е измислена полит-коректността; заради англосаксонците: то не беше що главният герой е мургав(ако беше някое копеле, щеше да е леко по-интересно) и кой от кой бил по-черна маймуна, особено ако си рижав помощник-капитан (Анн не чети, обичам те!), то не бяха, че учените англичани спорят с будистите висок ранг, щото те са им изучили по-добре учението на хиляди години, то не бяха дъщерята не е от семейството и полегнали девойки. Изобщо женските образи: на сестрата имаш една умна реплика, всичко друго женско беше за красота и припадък.
но поне "будисткия" монах що-годе да го налучкали в описанието му, малко отмъщението дойде в повечко, не би ли трябвало да го оставят на кармата, будистите са практични хора(повече и от англичаните) те си имат задача да НЕ пращат супер владеещи чи и силата монаси от Пунджаб(или Афганистан, или Хималаите) да им я върши.(П. С. в Афганистан е имало будистки монаси с разлика 2-3000 години от повествованието)
Отмъстителен будист е равно на високо образована девойка с мозък в отдалечено някакво си -ширско имение - т е . невъзможно.
Но все пак последните редове имаше някаква надежда за необятната източна култура, за да не хвърля прекрасното издание на Сиела по нещо чупливичко.
Все пак приятна класика, отдавна не бях чела как всички си говорят на вие и се сгодяват за една седмица, после си говорят за времето, а, ако баща ви е по-начетен си говорят за времето на санскрит.
Историята на Дойл:олеле, мъка!
Тука имаме пълен миш-маш ориенталци, което значи според автора, "н*гри, будисти персийски поети, (маймуни подразбира ли се?) будисти с фесове, будисти, които защитават знаме с надпис от Корана(ми не се харесват особено да ви кажа правичката), йоги, брамини абе всичко друго, но не и истински будисти.
Бях забравила защо е измислена полит-коректността; заради англосаксонците: то не беше що главният герой е мургав(ако беше някое копеле, щеше да е леко по-интересно) и кой от кой бил по-черна маймуна, особено ако си рижав помощник-капитан (Анн не чети, обичам те!), то не бяха, че учените англичани спорят с будистите висок ранг, щото те са им изучили по-добре учението на хиляди години, то не бяха дъщерята не е от семейството и полегнали девойки. Изобщо женските образи: на сестрата имаш една умна реплика, всичко друго женско беше за красота и припадък.
но поне "будисткия" монах що-годе да го налучкали в описанието му, малко отмъщението дойде в повечко, не би ли трябвало да го оставят на кармата, будистите са практични хора(повече и от англичаните) те си имат задача да НЕ пращат супер владеещи чи и силата монаси от Пунджаб(или Афганистан, или Хималаите) да им я върши.(П. С. в Афганистан е имало будистки монаси с разлика 2-3000 години от повествованието)
Отмъстителен будист е равно на високо образована девойка с мозък в отдалечено някакво си -ширско имение - т е . невъзможно.
Но все пак последните редове имаше някаква надежда за необятната източна култура, за да не хвърля прекрасното издание на Сиела по нещо чупливичко.
Все пак приятна класика, отдавна не бях чела как всички си говорят на вие и се сгодяват за една седмица, после си говорят за времето, а, ако баща ви е по-начетен си говорят за времето на санскрит.
March 27, 2013
Apparently, this is Conan Doyle's "forgotten novel." I'm not exactly sure why, though... Personally, I found it to be as good as some of his popular works. The mystery aspect is quite engaging, although the book itself suffers from being over-written and probably would have worked better as another short story featuring Holmes. It was interesting to see Doyle write phonetically in a Scottish brogue on occasion. For some reason, I'd thought that Irvine Welsh had pretty much pioneered that technique with books like TRAINSPOTTING, but here was Doyle doing it more than a century earlier. Unfortunately, the book collapses somewhat at the end--hence the relatively low score. After providing readers a rather unsatisfying conclusion to the story, Doyle then attempts to proselytize us in regard to the wonders of Eastern mysticism. Not what I was ultimately hoping for, but it was interesting to see two of Doyle's great obsessions--mystery writing and the occult--combined into one novel.
April 10, 2019
Charles van Buren
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
3.0 out of 5 stars
Weak on mystery. Heavy on mysticism.
April 8, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This review is of the free Kindle edition:
A Public Domain Book
Publication date: May 16, 2012
Language: English
ASIN: B008478UF8
The Mystery of Cloomber is not one of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales nor is it one of his best stories. SPOILERS: It is obvious from very near the beginning that the threat hanging over the general is of Indian origin, either a cult, a gang or something occult. There is really very little suspense as it also becomes clear that the general can not escape a reckoning. The details of why he faces doom are something of a mystery until near the end. The story delves heavily into Eastern mysticism of which the general and his corporal ran afoul while serving in India.
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
3.0 out of 5 stars
Weak on mystery. Heavy on mysticism.
April 8, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This review is of the free Kindle edition:
A Public Domain Book
Publication date: May 16, 2012
Language: English
ASIN: B008478UF8
The Mystery of Cloomber is not one of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales nor is it one of his best stories. SPOILERS: It is obvious from very near the beginning that the threat hanging over the general is of Indian origin, either a cult, a gang or something occult. There is really very little suspense as it also becomes clear that the general can not escape a reckoning. The details of why he faces doom are something of a mystery until near the end. The story delves heavily into Eastern mysticism of which the general and his corporal ran afoul while serving in India.
August 6, 2020
Publicada por primera vez en entregas entre el 10 y el 29 de septiembre de 1888 en el periódico Pall Mall Gazette —periódico fundado por el prestigioso George Murray Smith, editor de Charlotte Brontë o Thackeray entre otros —, y con ilustraciones de George Hutchinson, El misterio de Cloomber se publicaría ya como libro a lo largo de los años en diversas ediciones —el propio Doyle cedió una edición en 1889 a la Biblioteca de Portsmouth de la que se conserva además una carta del autor explicando la cesión del libro—.
Esta es una novela corta de misterio muy en la línea de los ‘otros’ escritos de Arthur Conan Doyle que no pertenecen al Canon de Sherlock Holmes, combinando novela histórica con aventuras y, aquí, se añade un misterio sobrenatural.
El misterio de Cloomber nos contará la llegada del general Heatherstone y su familia a la costa de Escocia. Todos se recluirán en un caserón sombrío y fortificado y el general no permitirá que nadie de la familia salga de la casa o se comunique con vecinos o extraños. Heatherstone vive aterrorizado esperando una fecha fatídica.
Narrada en primera persona por un muchacho vecino del general... https://www.abrirunlibro.com/2020/08/...
Esta es una novela corta de misterio muy en la línea de los ‘otros’ escritos de Arthur Conan Doyle que no pertenecen al Canon de Sherlock Holmes, combinando novela histórica con aventuras y, aquí, se añade un misterio sobrenatural.
El misterio de Cloomber nos contará la llegada del general Heatherstone y su familia a la costa de Escocia. Todos se recluirán en un caserón sombrío y fortificado y el general no permitirá que nadie de la familia salga de la casa o se comunique con vecinos o extraños. Heatherstone vive aterrorizado esperando una fecha fatídica.
Narrada en primera persona por un muchacho vecino del general... https://www.abrirunlibro.com/2020/08/...
November 29, 2020
Dwór Cloomber Hall to położona na odludziu wspaniała posiadłość, idealne miejsce dla takich odludków jak ja. Generał Heatherstone, nowy lokator Cloomber, również nie należy do osób towarzyskich. Dwór zostaje zamknięty dla wszystkich, a dla natrętów, którzy mimo to postanowią przyjechać w odwiedziny, przed wejściem zostaje umieszczony napis: "Generał i pani Heatherstone nie życzą sobie poszerzać kręgu swoich znajomych". Chyba wszystko jasne?
Nie do końca, ponieważ pan Heatherstone nie jest po prostu niewychowanym gburem. Zachowanie generała wskazuje na to, że panicznie się czegoś boi. Tajemnica ta bardzo ciekawi sąsiada, pana Johna Westa, który nawiązuje nić przyjaźni z panną Heatherstone i jej bratem Mordauntem. W miarę jak zdobywa zaufanie tej dziwnej rodziny, zbliża się do rozwiązania zagadki.
Zdradzę Wam od razu, że nie jest to oszałamiająco-przerażające rozwiązanie. Raczej w zwykłym, okultystycznym klimacie, ale też nie jakoś specjalnie nudne. Klasyka, oczekiwanie na karę bywa czasem gorsze niż sama kara.
7/10
Nie do końca, ponieważ pan Heatherstone nie jest po prostu niewychowanym gburem. Zachowanie generała wskazuje na to, że panicznie się czegoś boi. Tajemnica ta bardzo ciekawi sąsiada, pana Johna Westa, który nawiązuje nić przyjaźni z panną Heatherstone i jej bratem Mordauntem. W miarę jak zdobywa zaufanie tej dziwnej rodziny, zbliża się do rozwiązania zagadki.
Zdradzę Wam od razu, że nie jest to oszałamiająco-przerażające rozwiązanie. Raczej w zwykłym, okultystycznym klimacie, ale też nie jakoś specjalnie nudne. Klasyka, oczekiwanie na karę bywa czasem gorsze niż sama kara.
7/10
March 31, 2021
مش سر كبير ولا حاجة , ولكن بها نسبة لا بأس بها من التشويق والغموض.
الحبكة : "ربما هًوس والدي الشديد بدراسة اللغات الشرقية القديمة والأحجام الفلسفية كان السبب الرئيسي في عدم وصول ثروة العائلة إلى حد كبير , كما وانخفضت إلى حد هزيل بشكل مثير للقلق عندما دعا عمي عائلتنا للعيش في ممتلكاته الاسكتلندية والعمل هناك.
عندما انتقلنا للعيش في وينجتاون في الغرب, كان الرائد هيذرستون , الرجل العسكري الغريب , والمثير للعديد من علامات الاستفهام حوله يقطن هو واسرته قلعة كلومبر , احاط القلعة من الخارج بسور خارجي منيع لتجنب التعامل مع الجيران , ورفض ان يتجاوز اطفاله حدود ممتلاكتهم والتعامل مع الأخرين
الجنيرال المتقاعد كان شخص عصيب ويخاف من التعامل مع الآخرين , ودايما حاسس انه بيهرب من مصيره اللي خايف يلقاه
قلعة كلومبر ماكنتش اقل منهم في الغرابة , المكان المثير للفضول بشكل غريب , خصوصا وان هناك مجموعة من الاصوات اللي بتصدر عن المكان بشكل حاد ومزعج في توقيت معين , اللي كانت بتثير هلع الرائد هذرستون بشكل كبير
الترجمة في الواية كانت متوسطة الى جيدة جدا , وماوجهتش معاها اي مشاكل تذكر
كانت تجربة لطيفة وانصح بها لو بتحبو تقرأو في الروايات الغامضة واللي ليها كتر من طريقة تتحكي بيها
الحبكة : "ربما هًوس والدي الشديد بدراسة اللغات الشرقية القديمة والأحجام الفلسفية كان السبب الرئيسي في عدم وصول ثروة العائلة إلى حد كبير , كما وانخفضت إلى حد هزيل بشكل مثير للقلق عندما دعا عمي عائلتنا للعيش في ممتلكاته الاسكتلندية والعمل هناك.
عندما انتقلنا للعيش في وينجتاون في الغرب, كان الرائد هيذرستون , الرجل العسكري الغريب , والمثير للعديد من علامات الاستفهام حوله يقطن هو واسرته قلعة كلومبر , احاط القلعة من الخارج بسور خارجي منيع لتجنب التعامل مع الجيران , ورفض ان يتجاوز اطفاله حدود ممتلاكتهم والتعامل مع الأخرين
الجنيرال المتقاعد كان شخص عصيب ويخاف من التعامل مع الآخرين , ودايما حاسس انه بيهرب من مصيره اللي خايف يلقاه
قلعة كلومبر ماكنتش اقل منهم في الغرابة , المكان المثير للفضول بشكل غريب , خصوصا وان هناك مجموعة من الاصوات اللي بتصدر عن المكان بشكل حاد ومزعج في توقيت معين , اللي كانت بتثير هلع الرائد هذرستون بشكل كبير
الترجمة في الواية كانت متوسطة الى جيدة جدا , وماوجهتش معاها اي مشاكل تذكر
كانت تجربة لطيفة وانصح بها لو بتحبو تقرأو في الروايات الغامضة واللي ليها كتر من طريقة تتحكي بيها
February 23, 2022
More like 2.5 stars. This was my first foray into non-Sherlock Conan Doyle, and it was decidedly mixed. On the one hand, the writing was accessible, and it was a quick read. The setting was also well-developed...almost to the point that it became a character in and of itself. On the other hand, the book is mostly wind-up and has very little actual plot, which is almost entirely reserved for the final chapter. And aside from the problematic colonialist foray sideplot (complete with a few N words and general "Brown people = savages" outlook), I was a bit miffed that in contrast to being the factual stickler Conan Doyle that we see in Sherlock, he seemed to mix up all of the South Asian stereotypes in ways that just didn't make sense. In fact, logic goes completely out the window in the supernatural plot resolution. But at the very least, I did get a new inside joke for my murder book club in the form of the astral bell, so we did come away with at least one win here, lol!
October 17, 2020
Interesting stand alone novel by Doyle telling the tale of a cursed British officer and his ultimate fate.
Reminded in some ways of Willie Collins’ The Moonstone as the main narration is added to by the testimony of others as well as journal entries made b the cursed man. Like Collins’ mystery we find ourselves dealing with deeds that took place during British colonial wars.
Reminded in some ways of Willie Collins’ The Moonstone as the main narration is added to by the testimony of others as well as journal entries made b the cursed man. Like Collins’ mystery we find ourselves dealing with deeds that took place during British colonial wars.
May 2, 2019
It is not really a mystery, but rather a story in which we enter three quarters of the way through, and are only told the first three quarters of the story (the why) at the very end.
May 10, 2021
Well read book on LibriVox about a strange family out on the Scottish moors with a ship landing on the beach which had some Buddhists on
February 11, 2021
سر كلومبر
الكاتب : آرثر كونان دويل
سنة صدور الكتاب : ١٨٨٩
سنة صدور الكتاب بالعربية : ٢٠٢٠
صدر عن دار دارك للنشر والتوزيع
ترجمة : محمد أحمد حسين
تصميم الغلاف : أسامة علام
عدد صفحات الكتاب : ١٨٣
جنرال إنجليزي عجوز يرتعد من الغرباء وخاصة داكني البشرة، يذهب للعيش مع أسرتة في قرية نائية ويحيط المكان الذي اتخذه سكن له وعائلته بأسوار عالية كي يمنع عنه أعين وزيارات المتطفلين، يصدر من داخل المبني الذي يسكنه صوت رنين حاد للغاية غير معلوم مصدره حتي يُخيل لسامعه كأنه صافرة إنذار، لا يعلم أحد ماذا يوجد بالداخل ولا سر الأحداث الغريبة التي تحيط الجنرال الوافد الجديد وعائلتة، سرٌ غامض ولعنة مُخيفة آتية من بلاد الشرق إستقرت في تلك القرية مع قدوم الجنرال..
- آرثر كونان دويل صاحب الشخصية العظيمة (شيرلوك هولمز)، سر كلومبر تعتبر أول رواية رعب تشويقي أصدرها الكاتب للإبتعاد عن جو التحقيقات والمغموض والمطاردات التي تميزت بها قصص شيرلوك هولمز..
• العمل مشوق جدًا وخفيف ويشد القاريء للأحداث ويحثه علي التفاعل معاها، بجانب إن العمل ناقش قضية مهمة جدًا وهي تعارض العلم والعلماء مع الروحانيات والأسرار الصوفية، وبدون حرق وخوض ف تفاصيل الكاتب إنتصر للروحانيات في الكتاب وأشار أنه من الخطأ دخول العلم مع الروحانيات في صراع ببساطة لأن العلم متجدد وضرب مثل تاريخي علي ده بأن العلم والعلماء سخروا من نيوتن لمدة عشرين عامًا، والعلم أثبت رياضيًا (في وقتها) أن سفينة حديدية لا يمكنها الطفو علي الماء، وأن الباخره لا يمكنها عبورالمحيط الأطلسي...
- الكتاب كان أدق يكون اسمه (سر الجنرال) وليس سر كلومبر.
الكاتب : آرثر كونان دويل
سنة صدور الكتاب : ١٨٨٩
سنة صدور الكتاب بالعربية : ٢٠٢٠
صدر عن دار دارك للنشر والتوزيع
ترجمة : محمد أحمد حسين
تصميم الغلاف : أسامة علام
عدد صفحات الكتاب : ١٨٣
جنرال إنجليزي عجوز يرتعد من الغرباء وخاصة داكني البشرة، يذهب للعيش مع أسرتة في قرية نائية ويحيط المكان الذي اتخذه سكن له وعائلته بأسوار عالية كي يمنع عنه أعين وزيارات المتطفلين، يصدر من داخل المبني الذي يسكنه صوت رنين حاد للغاية غير معلوم مصدره حتي يُخيل لسامعه كأنه صافرة إنذار، لا يعلم أحد ماذا يوجد بالداخل ولا سر الأحداث الغريبة التي تحيط الجنرال الوافد الجديد وعائلتة، سرٌ غامض ولعنة مُخيفة آتية من بلاد الشرق إستقرت في تلك القرية مع قدوم الجنرال..
- آرثر كونان دويل صاحب الشخصية العظيمة (شيرلوك هولمز)، سر كلومبر تعتبر أول رواية رعب تشويقي أصدرها الكاتب للإبتعاد عن جو التحقيقات والمغموض والمطاردات التي تميزت بها قصص شيرلوك هولمز..
• العمل مشوق جدًا وخفيف ويشد القاريء للأحداث ويحثه علي التفاعل معاها، بجانب إن العمل ناقش قضية مهمة جدًا وهي تعارض العلم والعلماء مع الروحانيات والأسرار الصوفية، وبدون حرق وخوض ف تفاصيل الكاتب إنتصر للروحانيات في الكتاب وأشار أنه من الخطأ دخول العلم مع الروحانيات في صراع ببساطة لأن العلم متجدد وضرب مثل تاريخي علي ده بأن العلم والعلماء سخروا من نيوتن لمدة عشرين عامًا، والعلم أثبت رياضيًا (في وقتها) أن سفينة حديدية لا يمكنها الطفو علي الماء، وأن الباخره لا يمكنها عبورالمحيط الأطلسي...
- الكتاب كان أدق يكون اسمه (سر الجنرال) وليس سر كلومبر.
September 14, 2021
الكتاب : سر كلومبر
الكاتب : آرثر كونان
ترجمة : محمد أحمد حسين
دار النشر : دارك للنشر والتوزيع
التاريخ : 13 سبتمبر 2021
عدد الصفحات : 183 صفحة
الغلاف : 4 من اصل 5 درجات
تصميم الغلاف : اساممة علام
تقييم العمل : 3 من أصل 5 درجات
الخوف أمر فطرى ولكن عندما تحاول تجنب كافة انواع البشر وتقومبعزل نفسك انت وأسلارتك فلا بد من وجود سبب قهرى لهذا الامر ، عاش هذا الجنرال ما تبقى له من حياته يتنقل من هنا الى هناك حتى استقر به المقام فى قصر كلومبر ولكن ما زاد الامر غموضا فوق غموضه ان هذا المكان كان مهجورا لفترة طويلة جدا ولكن منذ أن اتى اليه هذا الرجل اصبح يضيئ كافة الانوار ليلا وعندما يحل شهر أكتوبر يعزل نفسه واسرته بشكل كامل ولاأحد يعلم السر خلف هذا الرجل الا ابنه الاكبروزوجته ، على مر العصور علمنا ��ن جبال التبت يعيش بها رهبان يمتلكون من القدرات ما لا يصدقه عقل ما دام لم يرى بأم عينه ما يستطيع هؤلاء الرهبان القيام به ولكن على كل ما نسمعه يبدو ان هذا الجنرال قام بالكثير حتى يأتى اليه هؤلاء الاشخاص من كل هذه المسافة ، ترى ما الذى يريدونه منه ، ما الذى قام به جعله يعيش فى هذا الجحيم ، وما السرخلف قصر كلومبر، ولم هجره اصحابه ، عمل يمتلئ بالكثير من الغموض ولكنى ارى انه كان بالامكان ان ينتهى العمل من أول ثلاثثون صفحة دون الحاجة الى كل هذه الاحداث ، استطاع الكاتب وضع بعض الاحداث التى ملئت العمل قليلا ولكنى ارى انه لا فائدة من كل هذا المط ، الفكرة فى حد ذاتها رائعة ولكن التنفيذ كان من الممكن أن يكون أفضلمن ذلك بكثير ، استطاع المترجم انى يجعلنى اتعايش مع العمل وكأننى احيا فى نفس الحقبة الزمنية ولست أقرأ عمل مترجم ولكن يبدو ان المحتوى نفسه هو الذى كان يحتاج الى الكثير من الش��ل المبذول عليه من الكاتب .
الكاتب : آرثر كونان
ترجمة : محمد أحمد حسين
دار النشر : دارك للنشر والتوزيع
التاريخ : 13 سبتمبر 2021
عدد الصفحات : 183 صفحة
الغلاف : 4 من اصل 5 درجات
تصميم الغلاف : اساممة علام
تقييم العمل : 3 من أصل 5 درجات
الخوف أمر فطرى ولكن عندما تحاول تجنب كافة انواع البشر وتقومبعزل نفسك انت وأسلارتك فلا بد من وجود سبب قهرى لهذا الامر ، عاش هذا الجنرال ما تبقى له من حياته يتنقل من هنا الى هناك حتى استقر به المقام فى قصر كلومبر ولكن ما زاد الامر غموضا فوق غموضه ان هذا المكان كان مهجورا لفترة طويلة جدا ولكن منذ أن اتى اليه هذا الرجل اصبح يضيئ كافة الانوار ليلا وعندما يحل شهر أكتوبر يعزل نفسه واسرته بشكل كامل ولاأحد يعلم السر خلف هذا الرجل الا ابنه الاكبروزوجته ، على مر العصور علمنا ��ن جبال التبت يعيش بها رهبان يمتلكون من القدرات ما لا يصدقه عقل ما دام لم يرى بأم عينه ما يستطيع هؤلاء الرهبان القيام به ولكن على كل ما نسمعه يبدو ان هذا الجنرال قام بالكثير حتى يأتى اليه هؤلاء الاشخاص من كل هذه المسافة ، ترى ما الذى يريدونه منه ، ما الذى قام به جعله يعيش فى هذا الجحيم ، وما السرخلف قصر كلومبر، ولم هجره اصحابه ، عمل يمتلئ بالكثير من الغموض ولكنى ارى انه كان بالامكان ان ينتهى العمل من أول ثلاثثون صفحة دون الحاجة الى كل هذه الاحداث ، استطاع الكاتب وضع بعض الاحداث التى ملئت العمل قليلا ولكنى ارى انه لا فائدة من كل هذا المط ، الفكرة فى حد ذاتها رائعة ولكن التنفيذ كان من الممكن أن يكون أفضلمن ذلك بكثير ، استطاع المترجم انى يجعلنى اتعايش مع العمل وكأننى احيا فى نفس الحقبة الزمنية ولست أقرأ عمل مترجم ولكن يبدو ان المحتوى نفسه هو الذى كان يحتاج الى الكثير من الش��ل المبذول عليه من الكاتب .
February 25, 2012
Kindled for free. This is a peculiar and short mystery-adventure book by Arthur Conan-Doyle. Very strangely, despite having a perfectly good framework for writing adventure stories in his own Sherlock Holmes novels, this particular book follows the tradition of the moonstone (although not nearly so boring) with multiple narrators. It is also rather reminiscent of John Buchan and Fiona Macleod in some of the depictions of Scotland and Scots. For all that it is quite exciting, possibly because it’s so very short and easy to read. One short part of the book is written in scots dialect, I didn’t understand EVERY word, and it’s possible you might have some problems too, see the extract below to decide for yourselves. The funnest thing about this book is probably the old “mysteries of india” motif, which ends up creating the central plot line of the story, and the placing of a strange Indian mystery in everyday Argyle countryside is a masterstroke which I did thoroughly enjoy. Three quotes:
{victorean scots dialect speaker}
I've been asked afore noo tae describe that soond, but I've aye foond that it's no' vera easy tae gie a clear idea o't, though it was unlike any other soond that ever I hearkened tae. It was a shairp, ringin' clang, like what could be caused by flippin' the rim o' a wineglass, but it was far higher and thinner than that, and had in it, tae, a kind o' splash, like the tinkle o' a rain-drop intae a water-butt. In my fear I sat up amang my cairpets, like a puddock among gowan-leaves, and I listened wi' a' my ears. A' was still again noo, except for the dull tickin' o' the distant clock. Suddenly the soond cam again, as clear, as shrill, as shairp as ever, and this time the general heard it, for I heard him gie a kind o' groan, as a tired man might wha has been roosed oot o' his sleep.
{old mysteries of india tradition}
I went up to my father's study to see if the old gentleman had any instructions as to the estate, for he had become engrossed in a new work upon Oriental literature, and the practical management of the property had in consequence devolved entirely upon me. I found him seated at his square library table, which was so heaped with books and papers that nothing of him was visible from the door except a tuft of white hair. "My dear son," he said to me as I entered, "it is a great grief to me that you are not more conversant with Sanscrit. When I was your age, I could converse not only in that noble language, but also in the Tamulic, Lohitic, Gangelic, Taic, and Malaic dialects, which are all offshoots from the Turanian branch."
{fun mingling of Buddhisms}
The place to which he led me was a small fisher cottage which had been deserted some years before by its tenant, but still stood gaunt and bare, with the thatch partly blown away and the windows and doors in sad disrepair. This dwelling, which the poorest Scotch beggar would have shrunk from, was the one which these singular men had preferred to the proffered hospitality of the laird's house. A small garden, now a mass of tangled brambles, stood round it, and through this my acquaintance picked his way to the ruined door. He glanced into the house and then waved his hand for me to follow him. "You have now an opportunity," he said, in a subdued, reverential voice, "of seeing a spectacle which few Europeans have had the privilege of beholding. Inside that cottage you will find two Yogis—men who are only one remove from the highest plane of adeptship. They are both wrapped in an ecstatic trance, otherwise I should not venture to obtrude your presence upon them. Their astral bodies have departed from them, to be present at the feast of lamps in the holy Lamasery of Rudok in Tibet. Tread lightly lest by stimulating their corporeal functions you recall them before their devotions are completed."
{victorean scots dialect speaker}
I've been asked afore noo tae describe that soond, but I've aye foond that it's no' vera easy tae gie a clear idea o't, though it was unlike any other soond that ever I hearkened tae. It was a shairp, ringin' clang, like what could be caused by flippin' the rim o' a wineglass, but it was far higher and thinner than that, and had in it, tae, a kind o' splash, like the tinkle o' a rain-drop intae a water-butt. In my fear I sat up amang my cairpets, like a puddock among gowan-leaves, and I listened wi' a' my ears. A' was still again noo, except for the dull tickin' o' the distant clock. Suddenly the soond cam again, as clear, as shrill, as shairp as ever, and this time the general heard it, for I heard him gie a kind o' groan, as a tired man might wha has been roosed oot o' his sleep.
{old mysteries of india tradition}
I went up to my father's study to see if the old gentleman had any instructions as to the estate, for he had become engrossed in a new work upon Oriental literature, and the practical management of the property had in consequence devolved entirely upon me. I found him seated at his square library table, which was so heaped with books and papers that nothing of him was visible from the door except a tuft of white hair. "My dear son," he said to me as I entered, "it is a great grief to me that you are not more conversant with Sanscrit. When I was your age, I could converse not only in that noble language, but also in the Tamulic, Lohitic, Gangelic, Taic, and Malaic dialects, which are all offshoots from the Turanian branch."
{fun mingling of Buddhisms}
The place to which he led me was a small fisher cottage which had been deserted some years before by its tenant, but still stood gaunt and bare, with the thatch partly blown away and the windows and doors in sad disrepair. This dwelling, which the poorest Scotch beggar would have shrunk from, was the one which these singular men had preferred to the proffered hospitality of the laird's house. A small garden, now a mass of tangled brambles, stood round it, and through this my acquaintance picked his way to the ruined door. He glanced into the house and then waved his hand for me to follow him. "You have now an opportunity," he said, in a subdued, reverential voice, "of seeing a spectacle which few Europeans have had the privilege of beholding. Inside that cottage you will find two Yogis—men who are only one remove from the highest plane of adeptship. They are both wrapped in an ecstatic trance, otherwise I should not venture to obtrude your presence upon them. Their astral bodies have departed from them, to be present at the feast of lamps in the holy Lamasery of Rudok in Tibet. Tread lightly lest by stimulating their corporeal functions you recall them before their devotions are completed."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
Prvé 2 tretiny knihy boli vynikajúce, len čo je pravda. Ale samotné vyjavenie podstaty problému ma veľmi sklamalo. Zjavne si autor neholmesovskou tematikou nahrádza chodníčky nadprirodzena, ktoré v detektívkach so Sherlockom nemohol rozvíjať. Mne však takéto témy nesedia. Škoda.
March 16, 2025
سر كلومبر هي أحد الروايات التي كتبها السير آرثر كونان دويل -الذي كتب سلسلة شيرلوك هولمز-، وقد خطَّ فيها بأُسلوبٍ بارع عن الرعب النفسي والوجودي... فالشيء الذي لا يعلمه الكثير عن دويل أنه كان متيمًا بالماورائيات وعالم الروحانيات... وفي هذا العمل نتأكد من ذلك، حيثُ تأثير الرنين الغريب، والإسقاط النجمي، والقضايا المريبة بين العائلة.
رواية رائعة تتسم بإيقاع مُقبض وجو غريب، مع نهاية مُفجعة.
رواية رائعة تتسم بإيقاع مُقبض وجو غريب، مع نهاية مُفجعة.
July 14, 2023
قصة بسيطة خفيفة لذيذة فيها من تشويق الجميل
April 8, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, though being one of Conan Doyle's earlier books it had a great deal of plot holes. Some of the plot holes - like unresolved mysteries or unidentified dramatic tension - took away from the plot, while some added an unintentional element of humor. For example, Conan Doyle created a group of what he termed Buddhist priests, had them hail from India, had one of the main characters refer to them interchangeably as Buddhists and "Hindoos," had them wear Islamic fez hats and had a character refer to them derogatorily as the "n" word. It got ridiculously difficult to figure out what religion they were supposed to represent, but it was amusing to try. There was also the incredibly entertaining account from Israel Stakes in a thick Scottish brogue which I loved. Conan Doyle did a wonderful job of phonetically rendering the Scottish accent such that if you read the whole chapter aloud as written (which I did) it makes you sound remarkably close to a Scottish accent - just a fun amusement for those that are nerdy like myself. Overall a fun easy read, though lacking Conan Doyle's strength of plot and with sadly weak female characters.
January 13, 2021
Interesting story concept, but slow and difficult to follow at times.
I had to go back and reread the first chapter after finishing the book. It only made sense the second time around. It seemed necessary, but confusing.
Chapter 8, "Statement of Israel Stokes" was particularly painful to read being presented in a Scottish brogue that was impossible to decipher in many parts.
Except for the final half of chapter 15, "The day-book of John Berthier Heatherstone", it was sleep-inducing.
I think Arthur Conan Doyle was a genius, but this was not his best.
I had to go back and reread the first chapter after finishing the book. It only made sense the second time around. It seemed necessary, but confusing.
Chapter 8, "Statement of Israel Stokes" was particularly painful to read being presented in a Scottish brogue that was impossible to decipher in many parts.
Except for the final half of chapter 15, "The day-book of John Berthier Heatherstone", it was sleep-inducing.
I think Arthur Conan Doyle was a genius, but this was not his best.
July 19, 2021
Тази книга имаше голям потенциал да бъде нещо много интересно за фенове на истории с готически привкус - голям замък в нищото, проклятие, тегнещо над семейство, мрачна атмосфера и т.н. За мен лично не се разгърна напълно и свърши някак бързо и без да предизвика страхът и ужасът, който през цялото време очаквахме. Все пак си заслужава четенето, Дойл е висока летва и езикът му е доста приятен за четене. А дали пък не си поставих твърде големи очаквания от автора на Шерлок Холмс? Не мога да не отбележа отличната корица за българското издание, браво Сиела. :)
August 12, 2016
1.5* After reading "The White Company" (which I loved), I was more than ready to see what other gems ACD had up his sleeve. This was a mystery (I use that word loosely) more in the Wilkie Collins vein - that is, more spooky and spiritualist than whodunnit (WC fans are now booing, I know). Doyle is a good writer, this was just not my style, and it failed to make me care. Every author has got to miss once in a while - for me, this was a miss.
June 16, 2021
If you have read or watch many supernatural stories, novels, or movies, then you'll probably not enjoying this one, but if you have less experienc with them, I think you will enjoy it. The story is good, giving the fact that it has been written in the 19th century, I think I would have enjoyed it if I read it back then, before read & watch all the awesome supernatural stories that came afterwards.
July 20, 2021
Entertaining listening
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
Another will written romantic thriller British mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is set in Scotland where an army general lives afraid 😨 of the past. I would recommend this novella to fans of of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Enjoy the adventure of reading 📚 2021 🏰
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
Another will written romantic thriller British mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is set in Scotland where an army general lives afraid 😨 of the past. I would recommend this novella to fans of of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Enjoy the adventure of reading 📚 2021 🏰
August 10, 2019
Sir Doyle was a very well-informed author. So shocking was his familiarity with the traditions and beliefs of Buddhists and Eastern poets and writers in this story, that I thought he has been to the Middle East for a lifetime. His excellent knowledge coupled with his thrilling creativity has always created such exciting and real-seeming scenes.
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