LITERATURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3396, 16 April 1919, Page 62

LITERATURE.

BOOK NOTICES. " The Boardman Family." By Mary S. Watts. New York: The Macmillan Co. (Cloth; 75.) This clever book lets in some sidelights on one special phase of American life. Many novels are written about people of genius who rise to fame from poverty and privations. In "The Boardman Family" Airs Watts begins at the opposite end of the scale. Her heroine, Sandra (Alexandra), is a young woman who has been brought up in the most rigid traditions of gentility—a woman who might, and, indeed, ought, to have stayed at home and been " taken care of "by her male relatives and spent her time in gay, frivolous, and extravagant society functions without inquiring where, whence, or how the money was obtained, or at what price in health or happiness it was obtained; but Sandra Boardman was of sterner stuff. A chance conversation carelessly overheard gives her the idea that her father—the fount of all wisdom and knowledge and the source of all supplies—is failing in health and power, and that his business is already leaving him. The fear takes hold of her mind: in vain she tries to question him. He refuses to be drawn, and she sees, or fancies that she sees, some signs of weakening power. She has one talent, marked from childhood and frequently employed for the amusement or benefit of others—a gift, for interpretive dancing. ■ She determines to cultivate this talent in the hope that it may serve her and hers in the time of need. But, because of the prejudices of her family, she dare not avow this intention, but, making the excuse of a desire to improve her dancing, obtains a reluctant permission to go to New York for a time and study. It is with her struggles and final emancipation that Mrs Watts's story is chiefly concerned. Her progress is comparatively rapid, and, having sufficient money to pay her way and a very large share of common sense, she does not undergo any of. those extremes of poverty and persecution which generally beset the path of young and friendless girls trying to make their way in the world.' Sandra's troubles are of another kind: they come chiefly from her own family and the narrow, ingrained class prejudices which appear to be as strong in America as in any of the older countries. Sandra's only brother, Everett, is the worst of her opponents, and his carefully-drawn character gives us a type of the conventional, 'point-de-vice pseudo gentleman, which, we hope, is as rare as it is unpleasant; but, like all the other members of the Boardman family, it is realistic to the last degree, calculated to add to the notable list of creations which Mrs Watts has already given to literature. ' The story occupies a period of about 15 years, beginning with this century and ending with the terrible catastrophe of the Lusitania, of which the author gives a most vivid and heartrending picture. An excellent love-story runs through the whole book, and the hero, Sam Thatcher, is an admirable contrast to Everett Boardman. Sam is. a go-ahead young American, who early learns to depend on himself, to despise no man and no honest avocation. Sandra's resolution to make her own way is a great blow to him. He withdraws his claim, but, seeking her happiness before his own, he remains in the background until the time comes when she is grateful for his devotion and quite ready to reward it. This is a good story and good literature. The plot is handled with certainty, its occasional touches of emotion are genuine, and its spirit is wholesome and idealistic. It is distinctly on the side of the angels, and belongs to the select company of the best American novels.

Selected Poems of Henry Lawson." With pi'eface by David M'Kee Wright. Portrait, m colour, by John Longstaff, and nine full-page illustrations and numerous small ones by Percy Leason. Sydney : Angus and Robertson. (Cloth; edition strictly limited to 2000 copies; 12s 6d.)

This volume contains Mr Lawson's best poems (some now first published in book form), chosen and revised during his residence at the Yanco Irrigation Settlement. Mr Lawson's fame as a colonial poet extends far beyond his native land, and Professor Saillens, of the University of Paris, writing in the Mercure d& France before the war, said: "There is in his work abundant evidence of the spirit that made the classics, a genuine comprehension of what is deeply and eternally human." Such, indeed, is Mr Lawson's claim to popularity and the hearts of his own people. Australia in the back-blocks and in the cities, by the roadside and in the trudging with a swag or riding in Cob's coach, dead beat or still hopeful, is with his readers all the time, and makes its own unmistakable appeal. His, indeed, was the first articulate voice of the real Australia. He alone has found the heart of the new land, its rugged strength, its impatience of restraint, its hopes and fears, its irreverences and grim humour, and the tenderness and courage that underlie them all. He

is sincere and strong and true; and the force of that sincerity, strength, and truth take the place of more delicate craftsmanship. With wonderful sympathy and comprehension Mr David M'Kee Wright tells of the poet's early days and struggle for recognition. How he was bom in a tent on the Glenfells goldfield in 1867, his father a Norse sailor, who became a djgger, while his mother belonged to a Kentish" family of gipsy blood and. tradition. Henry spent his boyhood on old mining fields and on a selection his father had taken up. Later he came to Sydney and learned coach-painting, attended a nighti school, dabbled in spiritualism, and was caught in a wave of Socialism. Very _ early his verses attracted attention. He was " the voice of a new movement: the ringing, surging rebellion of his song echoed the unrest of the *Bo's and '9o's." Then, his fame growing all the time, he wandered far into the interior of Australia, crossed over to New Zealand, and saw something of life in the Southern Seas. At 21 Lawson reached what was supposed by many to be the zenith of his fame, but he gathered force and grip as the years,, went by, and a reference to the selections in this book will show how his talent has matured, for every one bears its date. At one time London called him, but he did not remain there long, and be appears now to be finally settled in his native country. Of the selection contained in tlr* volume it is impossible to speak too highy since it faithfully reveals the different moods and experiences of the author. Lawson, like all true poets, had now and again a touch of prophecy, and in " The Star of Australia," written in 1895, we find the tumult and battle-smoke of Gallipoli splendidly foreshadowed in burning words amid warnings against too much ease and a possible unwillingness to pay the price required for standing ■in the foremost ranks of time. In due course all his doubts were dispelled, and his satisfaction finds vent in that psen of triumph, " England Yet." The grim realism of " One Hundred and Three " is softened by the tender charm of " The Slip-rails and the Spur" and "The Drover's Sweetheart." "Past Carin' " strikes the tragic note, as do " Faces in the Street" and "Scot's on the Riverina," while "Roaring Days," "A Shakedown on the Floor," etc., touch the humorous. The volume is beautifully got up. Printing and paper are alike excellent. The colour portrait of the author is a faithful reproduction of Mr John Longstaffs work, and Percy Leason's exquisite illustrations are beyond praise. The whole fori" an admirable souvenir of one of our foreirost. Australian poets.