The Valley Council. By Percy Clarke. (Sampson Low and Co.)
—This is the first Australian story we remember in which the existence of an unknown State in the middle of a savage desolate country forms the chief feature of the narrative. There is nothing improbable about the origin of the Valley community; it is when its civilisation is described that, as usual in such cases, the author gives the reign to his imagination. This particular vein of the marvellous has been well worked lately ; yet The Valley Council is not wanting in freshness of treatment, and the situation and isolation of the " Valley " by means of which its existence is preserved unknown, reads naturally, and the mystery attaching to the unknown people and their punishment of intruders is sufficiently impressive. One peculiarity of the " Valley" people, their magnified sensitiveness to sound, however, imparts an element of absurdity to the story. As for the elements of Australian bush-life, they form a capital background to the adventure, and with the steady flow of narrative, make the book a readable and attractive story for people of all ages.
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