7 NOVEMBER 1914, Page 33

The Great Release. By K. Keith. (Chapman and Hall. 6s.)—This

is a clever but really painful novel, in which the hero is cursed by cowardliness owing to pre-natal influences. The story of Francis Cbolmondely's boyhood is almost too poignant to be bearable, for, unfortunately, he is one of the people born to be unhappy. The book is an exceedingly clever piece of work, and may be recommended to readers who wish at all costs to be interested, and do not mind whether the interest is painful or pleasant.