Belchamber. By H. 0. Sturgis. (A. Constable and Co. 6s.)—
This story does not pretend to be anything but a novel of modern society, but in its own line it is extremely clever and successful. It really merits the application of that overworked adjective, "brilliant," and it can boast a subtle note of irony which is too rare in contemporary fiction. The actual plot would have made a tragedy had the author so pleased ; yet although all through things go from bad to worse with the unfortunate hero, the reader assumes an attitude of complete philosophy, and gives himself up to being amused by the passing episodes of the book not caring greatly for the ultimate fate of any one concerned, The book does not escape, however, two pitfalls which generally trip up the modern society novelist. The dramatis personae belong to the very highest ranks of the Peerage, and the nature of the story is what is euphemistically called " disagreeable." But, thanks to the ironic standpoint of the author, these blemishes are not too plainly visible. All through the book the reader's interest is kept alive, and every now and then he is excessively entertained; and these must be pronounced to be very rare and valuable features in a modern comedy of manners.
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