AMONG THE BOOKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2510, 23 April 1902, Page 69

AMONG THE BOOKS.

THE INSANE ROOT. By Mrs Campbell Praed. London : T. Fisher Unwin. This novel is as peculiar in theme as in title, which is saying a great deal. Readers of Airs Campbell Praed's former novels* know what warmth of individuality the can infuse into her work, and thus add a charm to even the most improbable plot. One can scarcely speak of either heroine or hero in a plot to which "The Insane Root" is indeed the whole root of the matter, and the fate of a- number of cleverly-drawn characters is dependent on the disposition of a shrivelled little mandrake, wrapped in a tiny silken coverlet, and guarded in a golden casket whose secret spring is known only to the old Isadas Pasha. The life of the old Ambassador, most wily of diplomats, and most devoted servant of his master the Emperor of Abaria hangs by a thread. He is given up by the London physicians, and all day long a stream of carriages has brought the diplomatic and fashionable world to make inquiries, to leave condolences, to offer flowers. All day long Mademoiselle Isdas, who is understood to be the Pasha's niece, has varied grief with suspense, until the late afternoon brings the first secretary, Ruel Bey, most handsome and fascinating of minor society lions, to sympathise with her. Ruel Bey brings also his talented cousin, Dr Marillier, whom the Ambassador has expressed a wish to consult. Marillier, by a laring operation, saves the old man's life for a time. A close sympathy springs up between the two men, and in the intimate intercourse of the next few weeks the doctor samples many new emotions. He finds himself irresistibly attracted by the beauty and pathetic charm ! of Mdlle. Isadas : he finds himself distrust- i ing the obvious admiration of Ruel Bey | for the lonely girl ; he finds himself chosen as the confidant of the strange life-story of ' the old and dying Ambassador, for wham I Death how awaits, and will no longer be denied. When the inevitable moment arrives, and Isadas Pasha "joins the Immensities," Dr Marillier realises more fully the gravity of the responsibilities laid upon him. He is sworn to the loyal service of Mademoiselle Isadas, who in her turn appears to be devoted to Ruel Bey : he is the bearer of \ secret despatches to the Emperor of Aba- ] ria ; he is the possessor of that weird and ' terrible fetish, that mysterious mandrake, j whose quaint caricature of humanity strikes him with intolerable repulsion. What extraoi dinary events were brought I about, what marvellous transfoimatioii of personalities was wrought, what was the finale that sprang from the intervening tragedy, one feels it unfair to disclose. But we may safely promise readers of "The Insane Root" abundance of sensational excitement, presented in a refined and pleasant diction, lining on occasions to considerable force and passion.