Some Reviews in Brief

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23719, 27 July 1940, Page 4 (Supplement)

Some Reviews in Brief

rpHE story of a Javanese musician who wanders from _ his remote village and makes a Pilgrim's Progress to the palaces, temples and fleshpots of the land is gaily told by Gene Fowler in his new novel, "Illusion in Java." Mr. Fowler has steeped himself in the folk-lore and customs of Java and introduces them into this strange story with a masterly touch. For this reason the book will be particularly interesting to many New Zealanders, who have visited Java in the course of an Eastern trip. "Illusion in Java," by Gene Fowler. (Dent.) Three Sisters An absorbing novel that is pure delight to read is "Louise" by Nora K. Smith. Three young sisters of vastly different character and appearance form the central figures of the story. Louise, the eldest, is the loyal, steadfast soul, ever ready to stand up for those she loves; Catherine, vain, sophisticated and unruly, is the trial of family and friend, while Vera, young and delicate, overflowing with emotional energy cherishes a passion for dancing. Miss Smith traces the careers and romances of these girls with a naturalness and quiet sincerity that is more than welcome in these difficult days. "Louise," by Nora K. Smith. (Hodder and Stoughton.) Happy Ending A bright and absorbing story is related by Jane England in her latest novel. When her father dies, "Penny," a charmingly _ unsophisticated young girl, decides to go to Australia in order to share the family fortune with a brother whom ihe old man had previously disinherited. Penny finds her voyage out is not all plain sailing, especially when her mercenary fiance is revealed in his true colours. There are many mild excitements, such as the kidnapping of' "Dick's little son, and some tense moments when Penny's im-

pulsive ways lead her into tight corners. However, with the help of several devoted friends -she eventually steers her ship into a happy harbour. "Penny," by Jane Englund. (Geoffrey Bles.) Mirth and Excitement From "Good Huntin'," a first novel which was, greeted with unanimous approval, Diana Hollo has-turned for her second book to "Plain Sailin'," in which mirth and excitement are admirably blended. The story commences with arrangements for the Hulkliarbour Yachting Week, during which festivities the wife of Admiral Sir Wilbcrforce Blygh.t'ers, Bart., R.N. (Retired), takes the opportunity of returning hospitality recently enjoyed among her relatives. With these two events as the main ingredients the fun waxes fast and furious, culminating in a major climax during the performance of the celebrated Hulkliarbour amateur theatricals. "Plain Sailin'," by Diana ftplfo. (Jenkins/

Pirates' Gold "All Found," by Joan Butler, is described as "a rollicking tale of pirate gold." Montmorency Wingate comes across a map of Vine Islands, where a pirates' treasure is supposed to be hidden, and journeys to the island only to find others are searching for the treasure. Joan Butler's story is farcical rather than tragic, and the comic discomfiture which awaits most of the characters is made clear 011 almost every page until the treasure is found. "All Found," by Joan Butler. (Stanley Paul.) Entertaining Novel "Twilight Cheats," by Grace Perkins, is a thoroughly entertaining novel. -The central characters are Andrew Lane, Martha, his wife, and Perry Snow, a young woman with whom Andrew falls in love. Martha, realising that her own attraction for her husband has waned, tries desperately to win him back. The climax, while being thoroughly satisfactory, is totally unexpected. "Twilight Cheats," by Grace Perkins. (Harrap.) Touch of Old Melodrama Patricia was from the quiet seclusion of a country rectory in Lancashire. London proved an alluring and an alarming new world. Yet Patricia, unsophisticated as the authoress insists that she was, learnt her way about with amazing speed. Certainly her adventures were well calculated to open her eyes. Patricia's love story was also rather a chequered one. Pick is the orthodox hero —tall, very "masculine" and rich. Though they (ju are lied more or less violently 011 the few occasions when they did meet, the happy ending was obviously inevitable. There is a touch of the old melodrama about "Homage to Patricia," though the setting is modern enough. "Homage to Patricia," by Kathleen Burke. (Jenkins.)