THE FIELD OF FICTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19505, 13 June 1925, Page 4

THE FIELD OF FICTION.

RAPID REVIEWS, , By Constant Reader. Mr Francis Brelt Young is one of the most promising njnong the younger novelists. In the prime of life —ho has only just turned forty—he has seen service in Africa, as witness the stirring travel book “Marching on Tanga*” He has written and published poetry of quite unusual quality, and selections from his verse are to bo found in most modern anthologies. He is a critic in tho correct tradition, as evidenced in his careful study of Robert Bridges and his work. Resides all this, ho is a. novelist of remarkable versatility with a fondness for the weird. Ho is equally at home amid tho jungles of Africa, or the colliery districts of England, or when enjoying tho Italian .sunshine. He has made a distinct hit with stories like "Crescent Moon.” “Young Physician,” and “black Diamond.” It seems only the other day that “Cold Harbour’ was published, and now Mr Brett Young comes forward with another now story, “Sen Horses” (Cassell). It, is perhaps going too fur to say that in his latest novel Mr Brett Young has deliberately imitated Joseph Conrad; but Captain Glanvil, of the Vega, and. Helen Salvia have a strong affinity to Conrad’s characters, whilst the brooding background of the book is distinctly in tho Conrad tradition. Tho Vega, George Glanvil, commander, is a tramp ship off Naples when the story opens, with expectation of reaching Home for Christinas. To his surprise and dismay Glanvil, on arrival at Naples finds his boat chartered for Panda, a fever-stricken Portuguese settlement on the West African coast. Helen Salvia, deserted by her Italian husband, is stranded at Naples with her little daughter Gina. She conies from Devonshire, Glanvil’s county, and he accedes to a request to give mother and child a passage to Panda, where Salvia is living. A fine contrast is secured by isolating a beautiful young woman and her child among rough and primitive men. The climax is reached when on arrival at Panda. Salvia is discovered as a drunken outcast living in tho bush with a young negross. Helen’s decision to rejoin her husband is fraught with tragedy, and her rescue by Glanvil makes a "fitting finale,. Tho story is superbly phrased, certain passages rising to tho possible heights of prose, and tho book is strong in its psychological aspect which goes far to redeem the mere melodrama of the plot, “Sea Horses” is a great endeavour, which, if it sometimes fails, keeps tho reader’s attention to tho last, and in a mood of continual admiration, 1 Sequels are seldom satisfactory, but an exception must ho made in the case of Mr Compton Mackenzie’s “Coral’ (Cassells), which adds another chapter to his early story “Carnival.,’ When “Carnival” was published in 1932, Mr Compton Mackenzie was almost an unknown author with only one other hook, “The Pa.ssonate Elopement,” to his credit and with tho high .visions of “Sinister Street” and “Sylvia Scarlett” yet to come. Yet “Carnival” arrested attention hv the deftness with which tho novelist limned in his Cockney characters, nd especially the “lazy, laughing, languid Jenny,” the Islington cob-mbino set aga’nst the haekground of tno Charing Cross Road. There are many of tho novelist’s admirers who prefer (lie Coekneyism of “Carnival” to the realism of “Sinister Street,” and all such will welcome “Coral,” Frank, son of the Jenny, of “Carnival,’ is st*on in tho sequel as chauffeur to tho now wealthy and important Maurice Avery. Coral, Avery’s dashing daughter, falls in love with Frank, and is determined to marry him. Frank, who has boon brought up by his Aunt May. hears from her lips his mother’s sad story, and lie decides on drastic revenge. Ho takes advantage of Coral’s infatuation to reduce her from wealth and luxury to tne lot of a working man's wife, and the high-spirited Coral strangely succumbs. The incredibility of tho plot, however, is atoned for by tho delightful touches of- Cockney humour which distinguishes Mr Mackenzie’s pages, and which prove that, released from tho restrictions of realism, ho is able to recapture his early manner. Detective fiction is scarcely in Mr Eden Phillpola's line. yet. in “A Voice from the Dark” (Hutchinson) tho veteran novelist has brought into being an original detective in tho person of John Ringroso “with whoso remorseless memory for detail and infinite care to state, not only events but also the thoughts and theories provoked in his mind hy them, ho did take a very long time.” ’This is the impression loft by this story; tho ordinary detective yarn rushes ahead at a rapid rate and tho reader rushes also in haste to learn the solution of tho mystery. But “A Voice from the Dark” is a long time coming to light. Indeed the novel may be picked up and lain down half a dozen times before tho end is reached. Tho crime when divulged is horrible enough and tho atmosphere throughout is decidedly "creepy’; but John’s methods are accurately in the book itself. “It’s like tho beautiful moving pictures that go on for a week till you know tho heroes and heroines as well as you know yourself.” Mr Emerson Hough, remembered os author of “Tho Covered Wlagon,” has in “The Ship of Souls” (Appleton, per Robertson and Mullens), selected a northerly port of the Hudson Bay Company as scone for another story. Tho title is taken from an Indian legend which declares that in tho voice of the storm can \bo heard tho great canoe, tho “Ship of Souls, ’ that rides tho blast manned by a crow of lost souls.” This legend impresses Langley Barnes, when, feeling like a lost soul, he reaches Fort MTavish. an isolated fur-trading post. Tho factor at tho post is a half-crazy Scot called Garth, who during a lonely life of 45 years has brought up two daughters—Christine, child of tho wife of n missionary, with whom Garth had eloped, and the other Annette, a half-brood, whoso mother was an Indian squaw. Barnes spends tho wilder at the Fort, and, while MTavish is urging him to marry Christine, Annette offers herself without marriage; anct all tho while ho has a wife at homo. The situation thus created taxes all tho novelist’s skill to solve the problems; but ho succeeds in making a strong story tho characterisations being especially commendable. Allowing for obvious limitations “The Sport of Fate,” by Laurence Clarke (Hodder and Stoughton), is quite a good mystery yarn, interest in which never flags. Charles Walpole, the hero of tho story, comes into a fortune and is straightway plunged into exciting adventures. -On tho advice ot Hannan Pratt, a business acquaintance, Walpole buys a boat with the idea of trading to West Africa- Accompanying him on” tho venture are a Colonel Pelham and his daughter, and a doctor. There is a wreck, and Pratt proves a scoundrel. There is also a fight, but in tho end Walpole and Miss Pelham make a match of it. This is a book which, while quite readable, will not unduly strain tho intelligence of the reader. For a love story pure and simple nothing can be better than “Heart of a Lark,” by Catherine Clark (Hutchinson). Anthony Livingstone, a dashing cavalryman, falls in love with the beautiful but superficial Mollio Burnaby. Mollio had a cousin plain but affectionate, who also wag named Molhe Burnaby. An attack of fever deprives Anthony of his sight, and when ho _ presses for marriage, the beautiful IMollie persuaded tho plain Mollie to lake her place at tho altar. Thanks to an oculist Anthonv recovers his sight and at the same time a baby is bom. Out of this tangle tho novelist contrives a happy ending. In “Fleuretto of Four Corners” (Hutchinson), Mr G. B. Burgin returns to his beloved Canada, and, with the skill of a practised pen, he makes a good storv out of commonplace material. “Old Man Evans is a youthful hero, who,, with his partner, Ikoy Marslon, and “Miss Wilkes,” their gifted mule, had settled in a cabin on the banks of tho Ottawa, Fleuretto “ridp s into the story in the opening chapter, and the “Old Man” is soon chainpioning her interests against the schemes of a villainous steward who strives to cover over his defalcations by marriage with her. There is a hint of buried treasure, and the story meanders on in a pleasant but unexciting fashion. “Tho Passing of Charles Lawson,” by Louis Tracy (Hodder and Stoughton), is a murder mystery to deep and dark that the reader is kept absolutely at fault until near the end. A financier is found dead with a dagger through his heart in his Derbyshire castle. There are suspicions of German machinations, and one of the murdered man’s secretaries aspires to the Throne of Greece. This gives the murder an international aspect • and scatters tho suspicions wide afield. Tnc inevitable detective comes on the scene, and, visiting Greece, ho discovers another murder which puts him on tho track of tho first. Finally, the grim castle, gives up its dread secret. Tile “hobo” story is gaining favour, “holx>” being American for what in England would be a tramp or in New Zealand and Australia a sundowner. The American “hobo” is usually kept busy dodging the city marshall arid securing free passages from one town to another by goods train, in “King Charlie” (Hodder and Stoughton), Mr George Gwen Ikixier describes the life and occupation of a "hobo” who. in order to provide for his old age, seeks to persuado a simple vouth of 16 to pose as his son, endeavouring to enmesh him into

a life of crime. Thus Billy English rather than Prince Charlie becomes the hero of the story. Tho '‘hobo’’ language is slang of tho acute, American variety, but the story is an interesting one because of its unusual environment. Tho scene of “Pamela Begum” (Hodden and Stoughton) is laid in India, and the story is concerned with tho lot of Pamela Latham, who on her niotheFs side has the blood of an Indian prince in her veins. 'The Vizier of Suitanpur entices Pamela to corns to India that she may succeed the Begum of tho State, who is dying. Arrived in Sultanpnr, she learns with alarm that to become Begum she must embrace Mohammedanism, and naturally she declines to forsake Christianity. In return for her refusal Pamela is placed in captivity. Fortunately there is an English officer in tho background whom Pamela loves, and after various vicissitudes the story ends with a rescue and a marriage. Air Arthur Stringer is an adept at crime stories in which tho criminals talk terrible language coined in the States, where “sleuths” display amazing qualities. In “ The Diamond ’Thieves ” (Hodder and Stoughton), the ‘‘sleuth ” is of the feminine gender, and her activities in countering tho conspiracies of a huge criminal organisation are marvellous. The average reader will not have gone far with the story before he is brought upstanding by the strange expressions that are used. “-Lampin’ tho ail-pages” is an easy one. but what about "Flash-junk and hock-rocks?” And when “A New York hull tailed Junky Hansen” exactly what happens? It seems a pity that reputable English publishers should deem it worth (heir while to servo out such sorry American stuff. BRIEF MENTION. Of the making of cookery hooks there is no end; and still dyspepsia claims its victims. There seems, however, sufficient justification for the Issue of “Everyday A'leals for Invalids,” by Aln.y Tremol (Stanley Paul, 2s 6d net) seeing that it contains “a collection of Tiny Recipes, Tasty, and Nourishing, for every day of the Year.’ Aliss Tremol explains that this is not a cookery hook in tho ordinary sense of the term. “It’s aim is to help in a practical way those who are cooking for invalids or "convalescents” ; moreover, “each recipe is only enough for one person for one meal.” There is also included some sound advice on “How to malic a Menu for an Invalid.” To the series of practical hand books of Farm Literature, issued by Messrs*Whitcombe and Tombs, there has just been added “The Culture of Lucerne,” by W. S. Hill, who has had considerable agricultural experience in various parts of the dominion. Mr Hill declares that the value of Income to the State is inestimable. “No Government,” ho writes, “alive to the possibilities of agricultural development can afford to neglect giving generous assistance to growers and prospective growers. In view of tho many advantages gained by growers of lucerne, financial institutions may well consider the greater value and increased security such fanners can offer. Indeed it may bo said that the whole community will benefit by a greater interest being taken in the cnll-uro of lucerne.” Mr Hill’s book is strongly conducive to the awakenin''- of, such an interest; it gives within 200 pages, all the essential information and a large number of informative illustrations are included. The price of the book is 6s 6d. The choice of a career is one of the most important steps in life; realising this Air J, C. W. Keith, some two years ago, addressed the senior boys of his old school on tho subject. Tiro address was recently published in “John o’ London’s Weekly, and in response to many demands it has now been issued in pamphlet form under tho title “Personality and Career” (George Newnes Is), with a foreword by Sir Auckland C. Geddos. It is a little book which, with advantages may bo put into tho bands of young people from 16 to 18 years of age. ’Hie counsel given may ho s mined up in a sentence; first know thyself and wn'i that knowledge decide, on your career. Tho firm of Thomas Nelson and Sons is well-known as publisher of educational works- and “Intermediate Geography.” by J. Hamilton Burrell (two volumes ?.s 6d each) is one of their latest issues. Plus lx>ok is designed for pupils beyond the ordinary elementary school stage, and provides a course suitable for the lower and middle forms of secondary schools. Tho treatment of tho subject is on modern scientific lines, and takes full account of the revolutionary changes which recent years have brought about in geographical teaching. In the revolt against the traditional view of geography as being merely a memorising of topographical deta-ds. there has been some tendency to ignore their importance in studying geography as a science. This book while placing duo emphasis upon tho casual connections and generalisations nocessnrv for realising how physical conditions affect tho distribution and the charactor of human societies, also gives tho necessary topographical basis tor explaining and ‘illustrating those connections. Iho hook is issued in two volumes; the first contains general geography, which includes what was formerly taught as physical geography, and tho geography of Europe; the second volume deals with Asia,. Australasia, Africa, tho Americas, and tho Polar regions. BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. “Colin’s Stjry-Book,” by Leigh Bell (Angus and Robertson, 2s 6d not), is an addition to the Children’s Section of tho well-known Platypus senes. The hook contains thirteen capital Australian stones mostly drawn from Nature and telling of flamingoes, and shells and bees, and tne albatross and tho pelican. fbo stylo is simple yet fascinating, and the hook is bound to be a favourite one for reading aloud to tho little ones “Silver .and Gold” (Nelson, 5s 6d), is a collection of original verse for young children by Enid Blyton, with illustrations by Louis Banmer, tho well-known Punch artist. The poetry and the pictures are alike dainty and charming and the book is bound to pleaso. Alls? Blyton s verses are very suitable for recitation purposes, being tuneful, dramatic, and easy to he understood because* treating of familmr things. H ought to bo in every nursery and kindergarten. “Still—-William. by Richmal Crompton, illustrated by Thomas Henry (George Newnes. 2s 6d). is a story m which boys and girls alike will dehght It is genuine fun free from vulgarity and altogether of the’ kind which Sir James 1 arr would approve. 'Hie pictures are as funny as (he letterpress, which is wymg n good deal. For a wot woea-ond! Still—W ilham is just the thing to. keep the children quiet except for an occasional ehneme.