New Books

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1939, Page 5 (Supplement)

New Books

“Ben Boyd’s Bays,” by Will Lawson (New Century Press, Sydney). In “Ben Boyd’s Days,” Will Lawson has combined the roles of novelist and historian. He has taken as the theme of his romance the story of Benjamin Boyd, a Scotsman reared in London, who came to Australia in the late 1840’s with the intention of building an

empire of which he should be the centre. He was well provided with money, and was possessed of a commanding personality, which at once constituted his strength and his weakness. One who knew him said: “Ben Boyd was the finest man I ever met, a king among men, but he was ahead of his time." These were the words of a Northlander, John Webster, who was a famous inhabitant of the Hokianga, a fact which gives the story of Ben Boyd an added interest to the people of the North. Ben Boyd established Boydvillc, which he hoped would eclipse Sydney, and ho built up a network of industries, which, however, could not withstand the opposition of the magnates of Sydney. Boyd himself was largely responsible for the failure of his grandiose plans. This is the story told by Will Lawson, who has weaved an interesting romance, which, however, fails to reach the standard that might have been expected of so gifted an author. He has, nevertheless, succeeded in making an historic incident live again in a book which is well worth reading.

“Mysterious Rancho,” by Jackson Gregory (Hodder and Stoughton). Jackson Gregory can always be renot absolute excitement. In “Mysterious lied upon to provide real interest, if Rancho" he has made no exception, for the attention of the reader is held throughout a story which is told with

literary skill of a high standard. The deals with the romantic area of America where the King of Spain at one time held sway, and where there still remains representatives of the Spanish people, whose courtliness and honesty of purpose makes a fine background for the misdemeanours of others who attempt to turn the current of love and adventure. The secret of the story is well kept, and it all ends in the only way that could be satisfactory to the discriminating reader. “Rewi’s Last Stand,” by Hudall C. Hayward and A. W. Reed. From the publishers comes to hand a welcome addition to stories of early New Zealand. This historical story is based on the film version, and further interest is added by the introduction of fine illustrations. The story recreates the exciting events of the Waikato wars of the sixties, and centres round' the mission station of the Rev. Morgan at Te Awamutu. The story is simply told and a delightful thread of romance runs through it. Particularly in view of the coming Centennial celebrations, “Rewi’s Last Stand,” from the point of historical interest should provide an acceptable addition to the stories of early New Zealand, describing so. ably one of the most momentous periods in the annals of the country. The Thinking Reed, by Rebecca West.

Cecily Fairfield, a Christmas day. baby in 1892, inherited a musical and artistic temperament with a dash of her Irish father's daring and romantic career. At her birth her father was sixty and could look back upon an adventurous life, and, if he liked, trace descent to the royal circles. He died in South Africa 10 years after Cecily was born, and at seventeen Cecily was writing for publication and ready to adventure her career in London as an actress. She never looked back. She was, in a way, something of a feminine George Bernard Shaw. Acute, epigramatic, sparkling; able to use her native wit to make her readers laugh or wince. It was therefore to the writing profession that she gravitated. She carried over from her theatrical experience, in addition to a useful knowledge of the theatre, a pen name, the name of a character she took in “Rosemersholme” —Rebecca West. A Snappy Story and More “The Thinking Reed” is an engrossing story, with high comedy, snappy dialogue, social insight and glittering gems of exquisite writing. Since I first discovered this author, I was waiting at Torquay for a ship to get our New Zealand soldiers home before Christmas. 1918. I recall the shop and the purchase where I got “Henry James,” by Rebecca West, a book I read and re-read then and on the voyage, and have picked up and read again every two or three years since, and still enjoy it and find in it something new. “Thinking Reed” is more mature, and of course it is a novel, not a critical study of another writer. But there is the same independence, arresting charm and forceful thinking, and all through a brilliant power of portrayal.

Behind the Facades 0 The scene of the story is the Riviera and society resorts and recreations, a whirl of excitement and reckless sensation. A beautiful widow confronts the choice of three men. each of whom was quite a presentably possible husband. But they are miles apart in character. There is a slapping scene in the Casino that causes some stir of excitement. It is part of the plot to save from gambling, Marc, the man least likely of the three to become her husband, whom, nevertheless, she married. There is plenty of what on the screen we call “glamour.” But there is a deeper understanding of life, and a frankness in facing life as it is, behind the facades of decorative pietence.