20 NOVEMBER 1909, Page 10

The Islanders. By Theodora Wilson Wilson. (Blackie and Son_ 2s.

6d.)—The "Island" is not remote, Juan Fernandez or the like, but in Morecambe Bay, a bold departure for the writer of this kind of fiction. The story is, indeed, a curious mixture of some- what incongruous things, some young people of the "Swiss Family Robinson" type and building speculations depending on a sea- wall. One familiar feature every one will recognise, the haughty aunt whose strong conservatism and caste prejudices conceal a kindly heart. We know from the first that she is the pecuniary Providence of the story. She has, it is true, good reason for making amends; she had objected to her niece earning money by writing stories !