WOMAN'S FIRST NOVEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 9 (Supplement)

WOMAN'S FIRST NOVEL

VOYAGE ON A STEAMER Obviously modelled on " Grand Hotel," " Via Panama " is a most readable novel. It is the first published effort of Margaret Jepson, the young daughter of the famous but is a much more polished and finished piece of work than the usual first book. In much the same style as that adopted by Vicki Baum, Miss Jepson tells a smooth-running and absorbingly interesting tale of the flirtations, hates, jealousies and intrigues of the passengers during an imaginary trip on a steamer. The authoress shows an unusual insight into human nature and draws her characters vividly. The passengers are an interesting lot, ranging from the bibulous and regularly drunk ex-naval officer who ends his little journey ,by being pushed over the rail into the Pacific, to the young girl, dying from an incurable disease, who is yearning for a little pleasure before her life finally ebbs. The whole story is skilfully woven and most entertaining. " "Via Panama," by Margaret Jepson. (Hamish Hamilton, London.)