Novels in Brief
The Ilurcolts (John Lane, 7s. ed.), Miss Muriel Hine Tres us an admirably drawn picture of English country society unrolg and after. the War. Two neighbouring families, one nstocratic and the other " risen," are involved. There are some some strong situations and - much excellent description. ne scheming lady secretary who invades the Hurcott house- hold -is among the best of many life-like characters, and the two Hurcott daughters. are well contrasted. *
Another very natural story, with just an idyllic touch. is Mrs. ..Vewdigates Window (Benn. 7s. 6d.). Mr. C. Lenanton introduces us to one of the most charming old ladies in recent fiction. With her shrewd judgment mellowed by charity, Mrs. Newdigate, herself childless, is a mother to her little world at large, and plays a decisive part in the lives of her two god-daughters--the simple, unselfish Mary, and the restless.
modern " Mollie. * * * Miss Pamela Wynne should score a popular success with Concealed Turnings (Philip Allan. 75. 6d.). It has the necessary blend of realism with improbability. The sordid home at Brixton in which the sensitive Hazel Anson lives with her vulgar widowed mother is convincing enough. But with the sudden entry of Peel Harding into Hazel's life, reality is left behind. The story. however, is vivacious and readable to the end. * * * Three Women, by Miss Faith Baldwin (Sampson Low, 7s. (hi.). is an uncommonly powerful and dramatic novel, covering three generations and showing how the same hereditary characteristics in grandmother, mother, and daughter react to' varied circumstances as well as to the growth of modern fashions and ideas. The story is subtle in analysis, yet simple in style. * * * Mr. Cyril Maude in The Actor in Room 931 (Murray, 6s.) gives us a tender and sympathetic portrait of an elderly actor living in retirement at a New York hotel, where he passes his time in recalling the days of his modest popularity and in sharing and influencing the lives of his fellow-boarders. Mr. Maude's canvas is overcrowded With minor characters, but the figure of Old Silver himself is very appealing, and it is with real satisfaction that we leave him comfortably settled upon the little Devonshire farm of his dreams. * * * Mr.. Maurice Lebhine's The Girl with the Green Eyes (Hurst and Brackett, 7s. 6d.) is a r‘ood. hundred-per-cent. " shocker," reintroducing the author's popular character of Arsene Lupin.
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