2 OCTOBER 1920, Page 19

Bing Up the Curtain. By J. Cranstoun Nevill. (Nash. 7s.

net.)—This is a very entertaining theatrical novel of the type more or less originated by Mr. Compton Mackenzie. There is a more elaborate attempt at character drawing than is usual in this class of literature. Irene, the heroine, is a dancer and goes through many vicissitudes before becoming a star of the first magnitude. Perhaps the best portrait is that of her mother, the Sellers, who unfortunately disappears rather early in the story. The picture of her ways and whims is really entertaining. Indeed, the whole book is written with a gaiety which makes it exceedingly refreshing reading in the rather dreary world of to-day.