A Study in Scarlet

A Study in Scarlet

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)

Approximate level
B1
Length
43,932 words
Reading time
3 h 40 min
Chapters
15
Language
English
On Project Gutenberg since
1995

This novel introduces Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson. Set in the late nineteenth century, the story uses formal Victorian English. You will encounter specific medical and military terminology from that era. The sentences are often long and descriptive, requiring careful attention to detail. The narrative focuses on mystery, investigation, and the personal history of the narrator. It is a demanding read because of the sophisticated vocabulary and the complex structure of the prose typical of British literature from this period.

65,902 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

  • Holmes, Sherlock (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
  • Private investigators -- England -- Fiction
  • Detective and mystery stories
  • England -- Fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B1, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

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How long does it take to read?

About 3 h 40 min at a native pace, spread over 15 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.