BOOK NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 63, 11 September 1943, Page 9

BOOK NOTES

Diary of a Kiwi.—There is no straining after effect in "Passage to Tobruk," by Francis Jackson, published by A. H. and A. W. Reed. This diary of a Kiwi in the Middle East, however, very vividly describes the experiences undergone by New Zealanders who, forsaking civilian life and comforts, hazarded their lives in the' Middle East. It is, in fact, a little classic in its way, written with sincerity and humour. It covers experiences in Greece and Crete and the fighting in North Africa with its vacillating fortunes, with a finely-told story of an escape from Singapore thrown in. The inclusion of a number of reproductions of Captain Peter Mclntyre's war paintings greatly enhances the value of the book, which up to the present is easily the best of its kind. New Worlds for Old.—"The Atlantic Charter," by Professor Julius Stone, published by Angus and Robertson, discusses at length, but not too academically, the implications of the Atlantic Charter. He analyses in a masterful way the complex problems which the makers of the coming peace will have to solve, indicating how the ideals expressed in the Charter can be translated into . practical realities. A Stormy Petrel.—After 40 years spent in the diplomatic service, Sir Thomas Hohler has gathered his varied experiences into a book, "Diplomatic Petrel," published by John Murray. The title owes its origin to the fact that the author became known as the Stormy Petrel whose posting seemed to be the signal for war, revolution, or pestilence to break out wherever he was destined to serve. Though disturbing and even tragic at the time, these events in retrospection and when told by one in the position to sift truth from hearsay, make good reading and light from a new angle the< contemporary history of Turkey, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, U.S.A., Hungary, and Denmark. Apart from its political interest, the bock is an individualistic commentary on the deeds, manners, and customs of people in many parts of the world. '

Miscellaneous.—The future of Australia is discussed.by D. H. Drummond in "Australia's Changing Constitution," published by Angus and Robertson. He makes a strong plea for greater unification in administration. "Pilgrim Children," by Jean Lorimer, is an interesting little book which describes how children evacuated from Britain have found happy homes in other parts of the world, including New Zealand. It is published by Frederick Muller.

„ From the same publishers comes The House That Ran Behind," a delightful story about four children and a caravan which was taken down to the sea. The joint writers are Barbara Todd and Esther Boumphrey; God's Moment" is a book of devotions, edited by Chaplain Norman E. Nygaard, which is intended for use in British and American homes.