The Unseen Barrier. By Morice Gerard. (Hodder and Stoughton. 6s.)—There
is something which one might almost call inartistic in the construction of this novel, but it is very good to read. We are much interested in the fortunes of Rupert Malcolm, and we are glad that the obstacle which hindered the fulfilment of his political ambitions was removed ; still, we cannot help feeling that the method of the removal is a little crude. Then the rapidity and completeness of his success almost takes away our breath. " You shall wind up the debate against the Government," says the Opposition leader to the member who has just entered Parliament as member for the borough of Rickmanston—did the Times report his speech, we should like to know, in the first person?— and when the Government falls under the powerful attack, he is appointed Under-Secretary for Home Affairs. We might even remark that British Ministers do not fall on such questions as the possible succession to a foreign throne. However, as we have said, the story is good to read. The Rickmanston election, with the dominating personality of Father Hendon, is vigorously described. Here, and in all the descriptions of Rickmanston life, we feel that we are close to reality. Prince Paul Menkoff, too, is a very picturesque figure, even though we do not quite understand what he was after.
Previous page
