RECENT FICTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2970, 3 December 1925, Page 4

RECENT FICTION.

Messrs. T loclder and Stoughton continue to publish a lyirnber of very readable new novels, a few of which we list below: — “Oh, the Brave Music,” by Richard Blaker, in which the author amply redeems the line promise of his earlier and very successful novel, “The voice in the Wilderness.” The plot centres round the Tyson family, the head of which, a retired man of the sea, is a most engaging character. Both he and his wife and the schoolboy Fred, are materially affected in their lives by the workings of a big commercial enterprise, and the author’s pictures of an English family life are drawn with a sure hand, and, in places almost brilliant pen. Mr. Blaker has a crisp, epigrammatic and pungent style of his own, and his latest book is well in the front rank of contemporary fiction. “Thus Far,” by J. C. Snaith, is a rather gruesome story. The son of a famous scientist who, with the aid of a serum derived from wild beasts, rears an intended superman, turns his brilliant abnormality to the destruction of mankind. A young scientist, engaged to the murdered experimenter’s ward, discovers the truth as to the tragic end of the latterday demonjaeally gifted “Jack the Ripper.” Grim, but impressive. In “The Falcon’s Eyrie,” the highly dramatic story of the Gwynedd outlaws, who are daring contrabandists, the much practised A. G. Hales provides almost a surfeit of ingeniously concocted sensation. “Ruben and Ivy Sen” is another r story of China and Chinese hereditary influence upon a brace of lovers, by Mrs Louise Jordan Miln, who, many years ago, was a wellknown actress, and visited Wellington with her husband’s dramatic company. It is a compactly knit, very romantic and well told talc on the subject of the differences ’twixt East and Wjest.

We have just received the following latest magazines from the publishers, Messrs. Gordon and Gotch (Aust.) Ltd: — Weldon’s Bazaar of Children’s Fashions. —The December number contains smart and practical designs for children of all ages. The free patterns enclosed, together with full directions for making, include a girl’s smart coat 4/0 years, girl’s dress 8/10 years, dainty frock 8/10 years and a child’s dressing gown 2/4 years. The newest styles are depicted in wrap coats, dresses for everyday and best wear, school frocks, dance and party wear. Novel and pretty ideas for fancy dresses, tiny tots wear, etc. A really fine production. Weldon’s Ladies’ Journal. —All the newest styles are shown in the December issue. A tree pattern is enclosed lor a smart two-piece suit, comprising a lady’s coat and dress, also a transfer design for embroidery on costumes, dresses etc. There is a splendid photogravure supplement of latest Paris fashions, showing the newest wrap eoats, costumes, two-piece suits, coat frocks, evening cloaks, frocks for the dinner, dance etc. Exclusive articles include notes on coming fashions, special fashions for readers abroad, pretty ideas for Christ mass gifts. Special articles on cookery—puddings, savoury and sweet beauty —lovely hair, the latest styles in combs and slides. Stneilling, embroidered Spanish shawl. Astrology. Book views, children's page, etc. etc.