REVIEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 261, 3 November 1928, Page 17 (Supplement)

REVIEWS

“ROOFS OFF”.—It is apparent tho title indicates that the author has lifted off tne root's of various homes so that the reader may see intn them. She has lifted also the roofs of some of her characters heads, for she reveals their inner thoughts, their foibles, their vanities, their pettiness, their jealousy, their ignorance—and occasionally their generosity and their nobility. Jt is the tale of an artist whose practical wife induces him to abandon art and take up business. Many years later, the wife dies, and he sells tho business and goes to live among the people of a very small community, who are sketched with a wonderful intimacy. The widower, who has believed himself broken-hearted, finds himself at, Inst free, and regaining the happiness he had not, known (until his wife’s death) he had lost. And he meets lhe sweetheart of his early youth—and the rest may bo imagined. It is a great character study, and quaintly romantic. "Roofs Off.” by Richmal Crompton —Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., London. My cqpy from the publisher’s Sydney agent, W. S. Smart. THE BEEHIVE.—Who is there among older folk who fails to sense the appeal to the emotions made by children in their ever-changing moods? The pathos, lhe unconscious humour, the happiness and vivacity of childhood afford wide scope, but it is a elever pen indeed which can blend those elements nicely and portray a picture which is true to life. In* this story of four young Australians, lovable, unspoilt youngsters, whose destinies are guided by a wise and tactful “Mum,” there is .something intensely human* which will make instant impression upon any whose memories cherish childhood with that infinite fondness which comes with maturing years. Bob, Barby, Brendor and Bubbles am truly drawn characters, a’ <l “Mum” is just Alum to the life. The story is by Elizabeth Powell and is published by. the Cornstalk Publishing Company of Australia. My copy comes from Messrs Angus and Robertson, Sydney. THE BETTER MAN.—Appearances are often deceptive, and the rule applies with equal force to human beings as to things inanimate or. for that matter, to lesser fry in the animal world. This story, ’by Rosaline Masson is developed round the decision of Colonel Stewart to test out his two nephews' One, Charles, who bears his own name and for that reason has odds in his favour, and the other, his sister s boy, James Brodie. An estate in Scotland hangs in the balance and ui course there is a girl in the case, a likeable character, who plays an important part in determining which of the two nephews has the better characteristics. An absorbing talc pointing to the moral that “ appearance does not make the man.” Published bv W. and R. Chambers Ltd., London, from whom comes my copy.

FORTHCOMING BOOKS Sii A\ illiam Beach Thomas has written the history of the famous English weekly newspaper, the "Spectator,” which has just completed its centenary. It was founded in 1828 by Rintoul, who was regarded as a great Radical in his day, and worked hard for the Reform Bill. For thirty-six years tho paper was jointly edited by Richard ilutton and Meredith Townsend, and they made it the most influential paper of its kind in England. "The Story of the Spectator” will be published in England this month by Methuen and Co. Ltd. Sir Alnicric Fitzroy, who recently retired from the post of Clerk to tho Privy Council, has written "The History of the Privy Council,” which John Murray will publish in a few weeks. The author has enlivened his pages with curious episodes from the records of the Council. Sir Ernest Benn, the head of a largo publishing firm in London, is following up his "Confessions of a Capitalist” with a book entitled “The Return of Laissez Fa ire, ” in which he surveys the position of individuals!!! in tho modern world. Lord Gladstone, who is now in his 75th year, has written a book about, his father, the famous Liberal statesman. The book will not encroach on the ground covered in the official biography of the grand old man, written by his Cabinet colleague, the late Lord Morley; but will contain memories of a more personal and domestic nature. To somo extent the book will be a filial reply to the slanderous aspersions on the moral character of tho grand old man contained in Captain I'cter Wright's book, "Portraits and Criticisms.” Little Account with St. Paul’s. 1 doubt whether many of Twining’a customers, at the famous old shop just at the Fleet Street of the Strand, ever glance at the firm’s faded ledgers, though those interestiug relics arc displayed inside the door under glass cases. 1 noted one casually the other day that dated back more than two centuries, showing a single account against one customer amounting, for a ■period of less than a month, to the impressive sum of £2l 13s 7d. November 14 to December 8, 1718, were the actual dates, but the magnitude of the bill may be partly explained by the fact that, while six pounds of coffee cost £1 17s, a pound of the best Bohee tea was 245. Tho interesting fact about, these old lodger entries, however, in a round clerkly hand-writing yellow with age, is that the customer concerned was none other than Sir Christopher W’ron—at that time, according to tho Twining Ledger, still plain "Esqu.”