NEW BOOKS

Evening Star, Issue 21992, 30 March 1935, Page 25

NEW BOOKS

‘ SIHBAD THE SOLDIER ’ In ‘ Sinbad the Soldier ’ .John Murray) Mr I*. C. Wren lias excelled himself. Those who have read ‘ Action and Passion ’ will remember what Dysaifc (.Sinbad) and Dacre went through at sea on a windjammer. When that experience was over they sought lor a livelihood “ the most absolutely oppo. site thing to a sailor.” Consequently they took tho traditional shilling and enlisted in the Life Guards. Here they were trained to a. high degree of physical fitness and were ready for any adventure. Then we see them, having been discharged from the army, engaged on a gun-running adventure in Africa. Sinbad is captured by Arabs and brutally treated. He is held as a slave for sale, and the story really begins in a half-buried remote city in tho Sahaha when he is brought before the White Sultan—His Highness el Sidna el Sultan Mahonimed cl Kebir. Sinbad, after having been put through many severe tests, gains tho confidence of the White Sultan, and, benefiting from his experience in tho Life Guards, trains the cavalry for this potentate and brings it to a high, state of discipline and efficiency. Then tho Sultan and Sinbad, with a few trusted individuals, set out on the pilgrimage to Moron, The author has set down the details of this event with great fidelity. This ancient city, the Moslem customs, and the characteristics of the people are graphically described. I bis is a man s story of adventure and courage at its highest point, giving much insight into Arab mentality and Mohammedan preindices. In addition to his vivid descriptive powers, Mr Wren has a keen sense of humour which adds to the attractiveness of his work. Our com- of < Sinbad the Soldier ’ is from Whitcombc and Tombs.