28 DECEMBER 1901, Page 24

The Strength of the Hills. By Florence Wilkinson. (Harper and

Brothers. 6s.)—In this story of life in the America of to-day the rough peasants and lumbermen of the back- woods are contrasted with the polished, artistic, and literary people of New York. There are some really beautiful descriptions of the forests, in the white passionless winter when the desire of life is almost frozen, and in the glowing summer when love is renewed. Enoch Holme, lumberman and minister, whose strong, narrow character is widened and made tolerant by the influence of the woman he loves, is an interesting personality. And she, on her side, though town-bred, refined, and highly cultivated, feels his attraction, and the development of their friendship into love, besides many other characters and incidents, makes the book well worth reading,