The Fetich of the Family. By E. A. Barnett. (W.
Heinemann. 6s.)—The theme of this novel—the utter subjugation of a whole family to the home-life of an idiot—is such that the story is bound to be a sad one. But there is no denying that Miss Barnett unfolds her "tale of woe" in a convincing manner, or that she succeeds in holding the interest of her readers. Rhoda (who is the person most sacrificed to the unfortunate Blanche) is not a very attractive heroine,—but who could be attractive whose childhood and youth had been overshadowed by the constant presence and care of an idiot? The sad story is developed step by step and line by line in a way which is distinctly clever ; but unless the book is intended as an awful warning, it is im- possible to see what good end is served thereby. No one would read it unless he were obliged, for the sensation of being drearily harrowed is not one which commends itself to most novel-readers.
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