DUSTY ANSWER. Ey Rosamond Lehmann. (Chatto and Windus. 7s. 6d.)—This
long and notable first novel describes the life, thoughts and emotions of Judith Earle from childhood to the end of her Cambridge days. Judith combines with common sense and physical prowess a romantic and singularly tender temperament, which is reflected very poignantly in Miss Lehman's sensitive prose. This is, indeed, one of the most charming and convincing studies of young womanhood that we have read for some time. But the story is too sad for popular taste. All Judith's dreams are shattered or unfulfilled. The girl friend to whom she is devoted proves unworthy of her trust, and of the group of young men with whom she has been on intimate terms since early years, some are killed in the War, while Roddy, the lodestar of her life, does not return her love. There are chapters in which Miss Lehmann gives us, very delightfully, the joys of youth. But the prevailing note is one of frustra- tion and tragedy.
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