PORTRAIT OF A VICAR

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 208, 30 May 1936, Page 25

PORTRAIT OF A VICAR

“Men and Brethren,” by J. G. Cozzens. (London: Longmans. 7/-). Mr. Cozzens, in his latest novel, has confined himself to describing a day in the life of a harried Episcopalian minister in a crowded American city. lie lias achieved an exceptionally life-like portrait, which carries conviction in all its details. The Reverend Ernest Cudlipp, vicar of SI. Ambrose’s, is one of the most likeable characters of recent fiction. He is at once a man of the world, and a shepherd intent on the spiritual welfare of his Hock, one able to effect a satisfactory compromise between enjoyment of the good things of this life and preparation for those of the next. Commonsense carries him over a series of tribulations which would have left a Lesser man exasperated and dispirited. Ernest takes trouble in his stride, argues effectively and forcibly against anything ho believes to be wrong, and generally succeeds in getting things done as be wants them. Mr. Cozzens tells the story brilliantly, and interest never Hags from the first page to the last.