SOME RECENT FICTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 197, 15 May 1920, Page 11

SOME RECENT FICTION

Stanley Weyman Redivivus. "The Great Houso" (John Murray, per Whitcombo and: Tombs) is Mr, Stanley Weyman's twentieth novel, tho first story we havo had from the author of "A Gentleman of France" and "Under tho Red Robo" since 1908, when he gave us that capital-novel, "Tlio Wild Geeso." The i sceiio of ■ his now story is England of the "hungry 'forties," the yeais when tho country rang with the rival political cries of tho landowners and graingrowers, and those of tho Peelite freetraders. Politics bulk heavily in tlio story, Mr. Weyman giving us a spirited description of an old-tiino olection. His hero a veiy good' fellow, but a very poor "party man"—for Peter Bassett possesses what is a fatal propensity in a politician, that of seeing good on both sides—loses his election, but wins tho love of a very charming girl whose relatives aro in tho opposite camp. Tho local- colour of the story is picturwquo and convincing, and although Mr, Weyman .has'.worked oil a largo canvas and introduced an almost bewildering variety of figures his character drawing is sure and strong—thero are no mere puppets. As a picture of England, in particular rural England, of 'by-gone manners and customs, ..and of tho political and social life of tho mid-Victorian period, the 'hovOl 'has'a distinct historical value , ;qiiite apart from its many merits as ft 'story' pure aud simple;