A DELIGHTFUL BOOK

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

A DELIGHTFUL BOOK

There can be no more lovable figure in modern fiction than Cappy Ricks, and in ‘ Cappy Hicks Comes Back ’ (Rodder and Stoughton Ltd.) I’ctci 15. K 3-110, the creator of this original character, is at his very best, and that is high praise indeed. Cappy makes his comeback in no hall-hearted manner. He will delight all his old admirers and win many new ones by his waspish shrewdness, and his unselfish and unobtrusive generosity. Peter B. Kync lias a wonderful understanding of old men. and all their toiblcs—liis Cappy Picks is a thoroughly human and-delightful character. It is safe to say that, the latest exploits of Captain Aiden P. .Ricks—-to give, him his fidl title—will bo read more than once. We confess that wo were no|, satisfied until wo road this hook through from covni to cover twice, and most people will do the sanie. Capp.v is the owner ol the Bine Star Navigation Company and the Ricks Lumber and Logging Co, Officially be retired from business about tlio lime of the war, and left his son-in-law, Captain Matt Peasley, a sailor who made good in business, in charge. But Cappy was not happy in retirement, and lie was soon hack at the office to disturb the serenity of its organisation. Sometimes his salvaging process spelt .much financial gain, and at other times Cappy’s pocket fell the effects, hut always, one senses, Cappy enjoyed being mixed up in the turmoil of office cares and business worries. His war-time service reveals Cappy at his best, and readers will have many a chuckle and spend not a little sympathy with Bill Peck, the original go-getter, in his desperate attempts to obtain for Cappv the much coveted “ Blue Vase,” onlv lo find that lie had been undergoing a searching test before receiving an important appointment. Cappy’s doings on the golf links are also refreshingly told. ‘Cappy Ricks Comes Back ’ introduces real people, doing the things that everyday people arc wont to do, and without hesitation it,may be recommended as one of the most 011jovahlo hooks lo conic this way for immy a day. Our copy conics from W. S. Smart (Sydney).