5 SEPTEMBER 1874, Page 22

A Strange Love. By Frank Usher. (Tinsley Brothers.)—This is probably

the worst novel of the season,—it is certainly the worst which has come under our notice ; and it is one of those books in which it is difficult to believe that even the writer can take any pleasure. It is dreary and dull beyond all ordinary dreariness and dullness, and the society which it depicts is not in the least like any society which people in the several positions which Mr. Frank Usher confers upon his per- sonages could possibly frequent. Perhaps he intends the cumbrous vulgarity of the Tavarnes and the Rymples for humour, and the fault is ours ; but if this be the case, it will not profit the book, for the public will be unanimous in sharing our error.