Enola Holmes

If you enjoyed the film, the original Enola Holmes novels offer even greater depth and insight into the resourceful young detective’s mind. Nancy Springer’s prose immerses readers in Enola’s unique perspective, rich with Victorian detail and clever puzzles to unravel. The books allow Enola’s character to develop and shine across multiple mysteries, making for a rewarding reading experience. Delving into the novels, readers discover more intricate relationships, particularly between Enola and her famous brothers. The internal struggles, motivations, and social challenges she faces are portrayed with greater subtlety and nuance than is possible in any film adaptation. Through Enola’s narrative voice, readers can deeply empathize with her journey toward independence. Choosing to read the books instead of relying solely on the movie also presents a more authentic view of the original story and its themes. The novels are rich in historical tidbits and empowering messages, encouraging curiosity and resilience. For fans of mysteries and strong female leads, Nancy Springer’s series is essential reading.

A main difference between the movie and the first book is in the characterization and involvement of Sherlock Holmes. In the movie, Sherlock, played by Henry Cavill, has a strong, caring presence, frequently supporting Enola and getting caught up in her affairs. In contrast, the book keeps Sherlock and Mycroft mostly at a distance, emphasizing Enola’s own resourcefulness and independence as she evades their control. Another difference lies in the character of Lord Tewkesbury and the plot surrounding him. The movie makes the Marquess’s storyline a fast-paced central mystery with a life-or-death chase, while the book explores the kidnapping in greater psychological detail and focuses more on Enola’s deductive reasoning rather than action-oriented sequences. Additionally, the cinematic adaptation introduces new themes and modern sensibilities, especially with Enola’s frequent breaking of the fourth wall, which is not present in the source material. The books stick closely to Enola's internal thoughts and clever means of navigation within the restrictive society of her time, without overt winks to the audience. Finally, the movie takes liberties with the pacing and complexity of Enola’s relationship with her mother, Eudoria. In the book, Enola’s investigation into her mother’s disappearance is woven more intricately into the story, dealing with subtle clues and emotional discoveries. The movie, by contrast, streamlines this subplot to create a more direct and action-oriented narrative for viewers.