22 DECEMBER 1923, Page 20

LOOKING AFTER JOAN. By John Palmer. (Christophers. 7s. 6d.) This

is the story of the girl who could not look after herself and of the people who tried to do it for her. There is the Diana-like Barbara who quotes Hamlet, and always orders the light brand of champagne ; her friend, Hugh Boyden, the

brilliant artist, who shows, too obviously, the cloven hoof; and the guileless Nicholas, compiler of anthologies and expert in international law, who eventually marries her. The " gay atmosphere of a Peace Conference in Paris is an appropriate background for these attractive people, and Mr. Palmer manipulates them with his customary skill.