THE SPANISH LADY. By Margaret L. Woods. (Cape. 7s. 6d.)—It
is a difficult thing to write a good historical novel, for it is far easier to create than to renovate, but the author of The Spanish Lady has succeeded admirably. Her portrayal of the Duke of Wellington is neither impertinent nor dull and she never exaggerates. Her novel has two great merits—fine characterization and exquisite proportion. Under less skilled treatment the canvas would have been overcrowded, but each figure is so clearly defined and each episode so well shaded that a sense of proportion is obtained, albeit she does occasionally hint a little too plainly at what is about to happen, so thlit the climax is flattened. The Spanish Lady can be sincerely recommended to all who like a well-written novel that is full of love, intrigue and humour.
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