Tom, Vron.—By E. M. Sneyd Kynnersley. (W. Blackwood and Sons.
6s.)—The author of H. M. I. might reasonably be expected to be discursive when ho writes novels; and he is. But Tom, Vron is not too long, and the vagaries of the author only leave the reader with the pleasant feeling of having been in the company of a well-read, scholarly writer. The story tells how an agreeable young Welshman, a solicitor with a twist in his conscience, progresses to success and a happy marriage, but loses money and wife through his dishonest folly. He is left in lonely sorrow preparing to start for the colonies. The tale is not much improved by an Enoch Arden episode, and, though there is a good sketch of one feminine character (Mrs. Rees, the rector's wife), Mrs. Forester, who becomes Mrs. Tom Pritchard of Vron, is too negative a personality. But the essence of the hook is a kindly study of Welsh character, which none the less exposes its weaknesses. The sectarian bitterness, the litigiousness and drunkenness, are as evident as the love of music and other good qualities. When the scene changes for a time to the Swiss Alps three excellent and wholesome undergraduates are well contrasted with Tom, the clever, shifty Cell.
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