The Brown Hand

Name: The Brown Hand
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Brown Hand is a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1902. It is set in India and tells the story of a British doctor, Dr. John H. Watson, who is called upon to treat a mysterious Indian woman. The woman has a brown hand, which she believes is cursed and is causing her great pain. Watson is skeptical of the woman's superstitions, but he soon discovers that the hand is indeed cursed and that it is connected to a tragic story of love and revenge. Watson must find a way to break the curse and save the woman from her suffering. Along the way, he learns about the culture and customs of India and discovers the power of superstition and faith.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1914 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Horror · 6,167 words

First lines

Everyone knows that Sir Dominick Holden, the famous Indian surgeon, made me his heir, and that his death changed me in an hour from a hard-working and impecunious medical man to a well-to-do landed proprietor. Many know also that there were at least five people between the inheritance and me, and that Sir Dominick's selection appeared to be altogether arbitrary and whimsical. I can assure them, however, that they are quite mistaken, and that, although I only knew Sir Dominick in the closing years of his life, there were, none the less, very real reasons why he should show his goodwill towards me. As a matter of fact, though I say it myself, no man ever did more for another than I did for my Indian uncle. I cannot expect the story to be believed, but it is so singular that I should feel that it was a breach of duty if I did not put it upon record--so here it is, and your belief or incredulity is your own affair.

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The Brown Hand is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1914 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Horror, Fantasy
Length: 6,167 words
Structure: 1 section, 193 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Mystery — The Brown Hand is a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, best known for his detective stories featuring Sherlock Holmes. The story follows a mysterious case of a brown hand that appears in a man's bedroom, and the protagonist's attempts to solve the mystery.
Detective Fiction — The Brown Hand is a detective story, as the protagonist attempts to solve the mystery of the brown hand. The story follows the conventions of detective fiction, with the protagonist gathering clues and piecing together the puzzle.
Horror — The Brown Hand contains elements of horror, as the mysterious brown hand is a source of fear and dread for the protagonist. The story also contains supernatural elements, as the hand appears to have a life of its own.
Fantasy — The Brown Hand contains elements of fantasy, as the mysterious brown hand appears to have a life of its own and is not explained by any scientific or rational means. The story also contains supernatural elements, furthering its fantasy genre.