The Torchbearers. By Mary Bradford Whiting. (J. M. Dent and
Co. 4s. 6d. net.)—Intending readers of Miss Whiting's novel, The Torchbearers, should at once be warned that unless they take a considerable interest in modern Italian politics, they had better not embark upon its perusal. The exact amount of knowledge of the affairs of Italy demanded by Miss Whiting may be estimated by saying that a parallel case would be estab- lished if an Italian novel were written of which the interest depended on the proper appreciation of the moves and counter- moves which have taken place in England in connection with the Fiscal problem. However, even modern Italian politics involve the existence of secret societies, which, it must be acknowledged, are more fitting food for romance than the campaigns of the Tariff Reform League. A great many exciting adventures will be found in the book, and the author shows great facility in con- structing a plot and managing thrilling situations. Her weak point is in the drawing of character, for she altogether fails to endow her personages with the gift of life. Her puppets remain puppets; and though she informs her readers of their feelings and emotions, the figures always seem to move in response to the pulling of a string, not in response to an irresistible impulse. Could Miss Whiting improve in this part of her craft, it seems probable that she might eventually achieve considerable success as a writer of fiction.
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