17 NOVEMBER 1928, Page 29

HUMDRUM. By Harold Acton. (Chatto and Windug. 7s. 6d.)—Sophistication and

a modern smartness, sometimes degenerating into vulgarity, are the distinguishing qualities of this study of two sisters. Brought up in a provincial, puritanical home, Linda breaks out at a very early age, but ends more respectably than Joan, who at first is apparently all innocence. Mr. Acton gives us incidental touches of truth. But his satire is overdone, and the story, loaded with insignificant detail, becomes tedious.