Some Reviews in Brief

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23850, 28 December 1940, Page 7 (Supplement)

Some Reviews in Brief

"TOniXEV TXTO FEAB," Mr. Eric Ambler's new story, is intelligent as well as lively. For the central character there is a humdrum, ordinary Englishman who is afraid of being shot at. The adventures which take him unawares happen so naturally that, the reader's belief is securely won before the author indulges in violent excitement. "Journey Into Fear, by Eric Ambler. (Hodder ami f-itonghton.) Centennial Prize Essay Mr. M. H. Holcroft's Centennial Prize Essay, "The Deepening Stream," is a cultural survey of New Zealand. These eighty pages of terse and forceful writing merit the study of all who covet an intellectual future for our land. Mr. Holcroft's conclusions may not always meet agreement, but no one will question the inspirational worth of what lie says, and the excellence of the style in which he has said it. "The Deepening Stream," by M. H. Holcroft. iC'axtoii L'ress. Christehurch.) Nineteenth Century America American life in the last full century, bisected by the grim Civil War, has been a richly exploited field by realists and romanticists alike. Mr. William Faulkner in "The Hamlet" has made a notable contribution to the growing mass of literature which is {.'reserving this crowded era for to-day. Startling incident, wry humour, and a convincing background make this novel a most arresting story. "The Hamlet," by William Faulkner. (Cliatto and Windus.)

A Restless Generation "Lighter Than Day'' is a story set in a town of Southern Kngland and tells ol two brothers who grew up in ihe ominous lull between the last war and (he present one. They are filled with the restlessness and revolutionary temper which authors would havo us believe is typical of their day and age; bul Ibe book satisfies by ending on a wholesome note, leaving the reader with the comforting feeling that the young folk are returning to the gods of their fathers and, equally with them, men of backbone and sanity. "Lighter Than Day," by Desmond Hawkins. (Longmans, Green and Co.J "The Chosen" Archaeology, and Garstang's brilliant deductions at Jericho, go far to aid the Aniarua letters in establishing the traditional date of the Exodus. Had Edith Simon accepted this fact, her novel on the life of Moses and the events surrounding Israel's escape from bondage, would have had a more exciting background still. Apart from this historical objection, her work is first rate. Her living version of an ancient story has qualities of drama, humour and humanity which are full of promise for this young author's later work. "The Chosen," by Edith Simon. (The Bodley Head.) Holiday Reading Cynthia escaped from prison, got married, and returned to complete her sentence. Those who wonder how it was done should read the l!oy Viekers thriller, "She Walked in Fear." It is an exciting story, ideal for lazy holiday reading. "6he Walked in Fear." by Hoy Viekers. (Herbert Jenkins.)

A ustralian A horigines The treatment, accorded in early days to the aborigines of Australia is not one of the most pleasant, pages in our colonial history. Protection for this pathetic people came late but richly. With the protection in recent, years has come realisation that behind the black fellow is a world of interest. Writers have unearthed their romance, and more and more, the once scorned and rejected are finding a place in the literature of their own continent. Leslie Haydcn's "Brown Boy Singing" is one such story. It is all Australia. "Brown Hoy Singing." by Leslie Ilayden. (An jilts ami Robertson.) Line of Least Resistance A half-serious journalist, a writer of slightly successful novels, Francis Ellery takes a position as tutor to a cripple boy. Here, too, he is only halfhearted, and seems to reserve his more violent emotions for periods of annoyance with other people's reactions to his whims. He even makes love—in a half-hearted way—to two different girls, and finds later that they are sufficiently well acquainted to write to each other. So finally, he is wise to retire into the background. Some of the character-drawing is distinctly good, but the story, though well written, is light and not very satisfying. "Ask Me To-morrow," by James Gould Cozzens. (Longmans.) Saved From "The Chair" In "Sentence- Deferred," by August Derleth, we learn of a sinister business concerning a bank crash, a charred corpse and a violated grave. Luckily Judge Ephraiin Peck was at hand to save a couple of innocent men from the electric chair. "Sentence Deferred," by August Derleth. (Ileiiiemann.) Grim Hobby Turning corpses into waxworks is the 1 f.bhy of Berkeley Gray's murderer in ' Six to Kill." He wears a tightly fitting. flesh-coloured rubber mask and speaks m a voice of singular culture and refinement. The secret is soon out that In l is an Australian aborigine: the rest is exciting hide-and-seek played with murderous intent. "Six To Kill," by Berkeley Gray. (Collins.) Mr. Michael I tines "The Secret Vanguard" tells of spies in the Scottish Highlands; an attractive girl who is kidnapped, and a stalwart voting hiker who gets involved in the excitements. Some readers may find the action rather diliicult to follow, but Mr. Ilines has a large public who appear to like his style. "The Secret Vanguard," by Mickiie! Lines. Gollancz.)