Rachel Oliver 3 vols. (Macmillan.)—This is a well written, even
a clever book, but it wants unity of purpose. Rachel is the unselfish daughter of a selfish father. We are introduced to her in her early childhood, and part with her, some twenty and more years after- wards, not knowing her after-fortunes, for the author prefers to leave these in uncertainty. Much of what happens in this interval is quite episodical, and might be left out without injury, even with benefit, to the story. The story of the governess whom Rachel's worldly-wise grandmother inflicts upon her, and of the monstrous rule which she exercised, is a case in point. The whole thing might be dropped out without any loss ; indeed, as such a woman could not have been endured by any one for a day, it would be far better away. What plot there is tarns on a rivalry in love—unconscious, on Rachel's part—between her and her step-sister. It is not a pleasing story at all, nor can we think that the heroine was in the least right, as far as the lover was concerned. Self-sacrifice, when it has to do with another's affections and happiness, is a doubtful virtue. Our criticism has mostly taken the form of censure; but it is only fair to say that there is some vigorous drawing of character, and that the book is, to say the least, quite readable.
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