A MAN BESET. By John Carruthers. (Cape. 7s. 6d.)— This
long and engrossing novel is a study of the temperament of a hypersensitive and introspective man, with an alcoholic taint m his blood and a " complex " that makes him alter- nately a bitter purist and a slave to sexual vice. Andrew Cardonald, the son of an eccentric Scottish farmer, is allowed in some chapters to reveal himself through extracts from his own diary ; and the subjective analysis is clever and con- vincing. But Mr. Carruthers gives us also an excellent story. Before Andrew finally wins through to self-control and happiness, he passes through many varied phases of experience, and each phase gives Mr. Carruthers the oppor- tunity, not only of throwing a new searchlight on the hero himself, but of introducing us to fresh and very living groups -of characters. First of all, we have some vivid glimpses of Scottish country life. The scene then changes to Glasgow, where Andrew becomes a University student, and where, under the influence of drink, he seduces his landlady. Later -stages of his career find him a master at a Public School, a • prisoner (for manslaughter) in gaol, and subsequently the 'representative of an American tobacco firm in China. The school and prison scenes are, perhaps, slightly overdrawn, -but there is no denying the essential truth of Mr. Carruthers' presentations. He has written a thoroughly vital book, remarkable for its pictorial, psychological, and emotional • range, and distinguished by beauty no less than by realism.
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