Griselda. By the Author of "The Garden of Eden." 3
vols. (F. V. White and Co.)—In the world of fiction at least there is a kind of predestination in names. If a heroine is called "Griselda," we know pretty well what we may expect. And Griselda Black, otherwise Blackett, suffers many things,—from her father, who is soured by the circumstances and by trouble, and is more or less at war with the world ; from her lover, especially when he develops into a husband ; from her lover's mother ; and, indeed, from most people with whom she has to do. The author has expended much pains on the figure of this patient creature, though she gives her more spirit than the original possessed ; and the study which she has produced is a success. The clergyman, John Black, interests us less, and the lover least of all. Griselda, like its predecessor, "The Garden of Eden," shows considerable ability, but as a novel is scarcely a success. Still, it is no slight achievement to have created such a figure as the heroine.
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