The Tyranny of the Dark. By Hamlin Garland. (Harper and
Brothers. 6s.)—This book is concerned with the spiritualistic manifestations of a young girl medium. Tho accounts of tho seances at which she "sits" (to use the proper cant phrase) are well managed, and the reader is finally deeply interested by the question as to whether she is being controlled by the hypnotic suggestions of the living or by supernatural forces. Unfortunately, just as the mystery seems to be on the point of solution the book ends abruptly, and we are left to surmise the author's intentions, instead of having thorn presented in detail. The spiritualistic clergyman who performs the part of the villain of the piece has certainly the courage to risk all on the accuracy of his own opinions. When he finds his power over the girl waning he commits suicide, it is to be supposed with the object of controlling her more effectually from beyond the grave. The book is a by no means unsuccessful attempt to make modern spiritualism the key on which the whole action of a novel turns. The heroine who is constantly "under control" is as attractive as can be expected in the circumstances, and the author may at any rate be congratulated on his ingenious treatment of an abnormal theme.
Previous page
