MORNING SORROW. By John Rothenstein. (Constable. 0s.).—The theme of this
book is well worn, but it has been treated with a refreshing and almost parable-like simplicity and dignity. It is a study of the early life of a young village girl and her spontaneous but abortive love affairs with two men who are socially her " superiors." Engaged as companion to the daughter of the lady of the manor, she is accepted by the family and moves among them and their distinguished friends with a poise and a lack of self-consciousness which is perhaps family incredible and suggests a touch of the fairy godmother at Cinderella's birth. But Diana is gradually disillusioned and forced at last to turn from her aristocratic circle, in which she feels spiritually at home, to the relatively sordid environment from which she sprung. But there vs no false sentiment, snobbery nor morbid self-pity in the treatment, and this crushing of her aspirations has an element of very real tragedy describea with a fine sensitiveness to atmosphere and situation.
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