Charlie Thornhill; or, the Dunce of the Family. By Charles
Clarke. Three vols. (Chapman and Hall.) —In spite of a distinct denial of the
imputation on the part of the author of this work, we are inclined to think that its publishers have shown a just appreciation of its true nature by advertising it as "the new sporting novel." Although the tale has a distinct plot, which has no direct connection with sporting matters, the author takes occasion, in working it out, to introduce us to a succession of sporting scenes, the description of which constitutes not only the most prominent, but also by far the most successful por- tion of his volumes. Mr. Clarke is 'evidently well acquainted with sporting life, and possesses a considerable faculty of describing some of
its phases in an effective manner ; witness an account of a match across country, in the second volume, which is not inferior to anything of its kind with which we are acquainted. In judging the novel on
other than sporting grounds, we must not forgot that it is a first attempt; and, bearing this in mind, we may, we think, fairly regard it as afford- ing promise of something better for the future. Mr. Clarke must, when he writes again, devote considerably more care to the construction of his plot, unless, indeed—which will, perhaps, be his wisest course—he dispense with a plot altogether, and rely solely upon his descriptive powers. We should like further to counsel him to avoid reflections on things in general, to make a less prominent display of his classical acquirements, and to be on his guard against an affected style of writing.
For the most part, Mr. Clarke writes pleasantly and readably enough; and this fact renders us all the more intolerant of such vagaries as the description of a woman as possessing " a veil of fascination over her whole character, which reminds us of the last scene of a pantomime or a poached egg in pea-soup."
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