Other New Publications

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

Other New Publications

NEW AUTHOR'S TALENT

EXCELLENT FIRST STORY "Dead Men Sing No a first story by Miss Miranda Stuart, who makes an excellent beginning with it. It is true, as a London critic points out, that one boggles slightly at Uncle ICben's will, whereby Clare got nothing unless and until Bagot-dies. There remains another essential point—tQ exclude dogs from a house where dogs are favourod. That seems a little incredible. But likelihood alone never yet made a good story. For the rest, the circumstances are fresh and rivet the attention. The clash of architecture between the Tudor Long Gallery and the modern wing, the musical interest and clues, the firmlydrawn characters of the murdered conductor, Hess; Clare, with the rapt look on her face like the Lady of Shalott; the impulsive, bad-mannered Disa, with her attendant gigolo, Laddie; the brightly inquisitive and humorous old lady, Mrs. Cranswick; the routine-loving Inspector Flagg, who left the "psycho-what's-its-name" to the subtle and sensitive private detective, Dorset—all these make an admirable surround, enhanced as they are by the excellent psychological reflection throughout. "Dead Men Sinsr No Songs." by Miranda Stuart. (Hodder and Stnughton)

By THE BOOKMEN

, POWERFUL STORY

NAOMI JACOB IN FORM "This Porcelain Clay" is the title of a now novel by Naomi Jacob. Jt tells of the lifo. of a young Jew, Louis Silver, who from very humble" beginnings, makes a big business success and marries an aristocratic young woman. Louis Silver is ruthless in many things, but he meets his match in his wife, who not only treats him with indifference and adheres to her set, but eventually leaves him.

Their quarrel is later superficially patched up, but Naomi Jacob gradually transforms Silver, with the result that he gains the sympathy of the reader and in his own peculiar way makes amends for his selfishness in the early years. Silver's regard for his sister and his grief at the tragedy of her life is a powerful feature of the novel, and at its closo the reason for its titlo. "This Porcelain Clay," is plain for all to see. "This Porcelain Clay," by Naomi Jacob (Hutchinson).