Forever England

Northern Advocate, 18 March 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

Forever England

July at Fritham by Michael Home (Rich and Cowan, 7/6), means nothing to us in New Zealand, unless we correct the first impression of a wooden title by remembering that July in England is the lovely blending of spring and summer, and “Fritham” is probably a ravishing bit of English countryside, with old-word fascinations, and an old world family in the midst, running the show from, the Manor House, the Castle, or the Hall, with its ivy mantled towers dominating the landscape. If you don’t jump to this possible panorama of English life behind this title, you . will pass the book along—unopened. And that, if you please, would be a pity, for it is really a fine story, and quite what we supposed possible, a graphic bit of English life, and lovely green countryside just when spring has handed over her wealth of radiant colour and rustling growth to tire warmer care of summer. Ancient Lineage and Modern Challenge The family of Frithams goes back to genealogical roots that got themselves planted before the Conquest, and all Jhat. The village of Fritham and its inhabitants could not be ■ conceived apart from the ruling family of Frithams. On the cover design of the book the pointed’ gables, of Fritham House stand . out against the sky line, an impressive pile of buildings commanding the landscape; an eloquent symbol of the family position. In the hands of Mr Michael Home, a strong, well-knit story develops against this background. New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth. The age long position of the family is challenged. Newly-rich have come out to Fritham. They don’t quite fit. The ancient serenity of the Frithams is disturbed. A crisis arrives. How it is met and vanquished is a well-told tale of exciting suspense, and absorbing power.