Nami So. By Kenjiro Tokutomi. Translated from the Japanese. (G.
P. Putnam's Sons. 6s.)—It would be obviously unfair to judge this book by the standard of Western fiction, even were the inevitable non-conductor of a translation not a further handicap on its powers of interesting the reader. As a picture of Japanese life and manners it is, however, worthy of attention, and the author certainly succeeds in his purpose of arousing great sympathy for the sad fate of his heroine, Nami-Ko. To those fresh from reading the stories of Japanese heroism and self-sacrifice in the cause of patriotism, it will seem curious that what the author calls "the worn-out Confucian ethics" on the subject of divorce should still be in such need of reform. It is difficult to understand ethical evolution pro- gressing with such astounding rapidity along one line, and re- maining hidebound on other sides which are at least as important in the development of the nation.
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