1 MAY 1926, Page 29

Orange Street. By S. P. B. Mais. (Grant Richards. 7s.

6d. net.)—It is difficult to say which is the most detest- able character : Nigel, the publicity agent—probably the worst in the world—Celia, his wife, or Brian Stucle', the poet with whom Nigel's life becomes involved. Lydia Menhinnit, Stucley's fiancee, is presumably intended to awaken sympathy, but her attitude of meek submission to the other sex is not as attractive as the author doubtless intends. It is difficult to be convinced of the truth of Nigel's sacrifice of his life to Celia at the end, and indeed the whole book is exasperating in its unlikeness to anything which could happen in real life.