NEW ZEALAND NOVEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND NOVEL

ROBIN HYDE'S LATEST WORK By C.F.C. Those who have read "Wednesday's Children" will have found in Rohm Hyde an acutely sensitive appreciation of beauty. This quality is again dominant in her new book, "The God wits Fly," a story of the Hannays, John, his wife Augusta And their children, Carlv, Eliza and Sandra, which combines a sharp awareness of the deeper side of life with a rare perception of its laughter.

The children —Eliza with her young mind delicately unfolding to reveal hidden depths of poetry, Carlv, just as lovable but unable to express h6rself, and Sandra, the baby, who "looked like an angel, but was only angel coloured"—none could have been so faithfully portrayed unless the writer had perfect understanding of a child's thoughts and desires. Their parents, as shown through the children's eyes, come to life as real people when presented by Robin Hyde. John Hannay, embittered and therefore a recluse, ventures forth only to attend Socialist meetings, and Augusta fights almost blindly against something intangible for better surroundings for l cr childien —her cue wish security and a settled home.

Filled with poignant charm and glimmers of quaint, wistful humour, "The Godwits Flv" recalls memories of childhood which can be shared only by those living in New Zealand.

"The Clod wits Fly," by TJobln Hyde. (Hurst, and Blackett).