NEW ZEALANDER'S NOVEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 22, 26 January 1935, Page 2 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALANDER'S NOVEL.

" — AND SHADOWS FLEE." Some day, when New Zealand has a larger reading public, and one no longer convinced that to be " readable " a book must be imported, New Zealand novelists will be able to write freely of, and for, their own people, and not, as circumstances compel them to. write now, primarily for the English market. English readers are not in any number interested in a "New Zealand story" as such, but they will read a good story, whatever may be its setting. This consideration, it appears, was given due weight by Marten Stuart, the author of " —- And Shadows Flee" (Hurst and Blackett). She has, obviously, had in mind the English reader, and though she has placed her characters in the Bay of Islands her story has no vital connection with New Zealand. It is not, and does not aspire to be, an historical novel: but as a piece of romantic fiction it is absorbing, even exciting, and, though not markedly original in theme,, more competently written than the large majority of novels from abroad. The characters are few and the canvas is small, but everything on it has been sincerely done. In the foreground are Margaret, a proud-spirited English girl with ail unhappy " past," and Paul Renton, a headstrong, narrow but likeable young mail, the son of a missionary family. The girl, who has been "transported" to Botany Bay on a trumpedup charge, and, not unscathed physically, has cscapod, falls in love with the young farmer, but 011 telling him her story is forced to the bitter realisation that hi;' sympathies are not wide enough to encompass her tragic experiences. His family, gentle but orthodox, accept the girl in a spirit of resignation which wounds lier proud spirit. Tho story of the clash of temperaments and of ideals, and of tho entry of the " pakelia Maori" who suddenly becomes important in the girl's life, is certain to be enjoi'ed by many readers, both abroad and in the Dominion.

Marlon Stuart, it is now permissible to say, is the pen-name of a well-known New Zealand woman essayist and playwright. Headers of her articles are aware of how well she knows New Zealand, and after reading this novel they will hope that she may, one day, be established firmly enough to use that knowledge and her insight into character, in a novel which will do justice to the New Zealand of to-day. In "—And Shadows Flee" she has written well within her powers. It is worth remarking that tho publishers describe this novel as a " romance of the glamorous tropics, where the tides of love and passion flow more strongly and freely than in more civilised climes." Residents of the Hay of Islands will please note. j