WAR-TIME NOVEL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12069, 26 July 1917, Page 8

WAR-TIME NOVEL.

"Teddy, R.N.D.," by Edith Mary Moore, a. charming war-time picture of childhood and youth. The hero, a fino sample of the clean British lad who is in thousands in tlie trenches—-and over them—is exceedingly lucky in being the son of his parents, lucky especially in his mother, a woman of women, intelligent, above the average, self-sacrific-ing, her children's " pal," and their trainer in wholesome ways. It is well for the Empire that there are such women ever " doing their bit" in peace as in war-time, and making the most of little. The story of Teddy and his brother and sister reads so convincingly that it is probably from life and at first-hand. The home and school-life of the youngsters is told, how they grew up high-spirited, cheerful, unselfish and un self conscious.. Then comes the country's call and how they meet it. Teddy is the one who is best fitted by nature for tho strenuous times. He -.s no prig, though he steers serenely clear of dirt—even in London—and he is ve'y much a favourite with the girls, from some of whose inviting glances as they pass he seeks refuge in consulting his wristlet watch. _ Teddy is first an ofEeer of the anti-aircraft service, then he is transferred to the aviators. The heart-wringing anxieties of a mother who strives to be "reasonable" when giving her son to the chances of war, the feelings- of the lad, though under, age cannot remain at home but must be "in it," the effect of war-happen-ings on average types of the nation, life in a dug out, tho pleasures of leave—Mrs Moore shows sympathetically and vividly. Our copy is from the publishers, Hodder and Stoughton., London.