POST-WAR YOUTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

POST-WAR YOUTH

fl A CLEVER STUDY Something quite outstanding in modern novels has been produced by Miss Barbara Goolden in "Wise Generations." Beginning with an air raid over London and finishing with the Silver Jubilee procession, tho story embraces a very vital period in the world's history, and the reaction of the children who grew up in those years is very carefully portrayed by Miss Goolden. In her story is introduced a charming family, the Anthony Hillmans, husband, wife, two sons and a daughter. The children are seen first in babyhood and their growth traced through the years in a manner fascinating and intensely human. In addition, there is Sarah Spain, an amazingly philosophical mother-in-law, and finally Olive Lynwood, a niece, a caustic and unlovely and yet pathetic character. All types of humans walk on to Miss Goolden's stage, which is a wealth of ever-changing scenes and of clever and entertaining conversational episodes. The story is of the "family" type, which is becoming increasingly popular, and Miss Goolden's subtle knowledge of human nature, her powers of vivid description and her careful restraint when dealing with the restiveness of the post-war generation are all features which add to the excellence of this very delightful story.

"Wise Generations," by Barbara Goolden. (Chapman and Hall.)