A BOOK REVIEW
Sir,-I am sorry to find that the usual standard of your book reviews is not maintained by "P.J.W." in his comment on Alan Paton’s second novel, Too Late the Phalarope, in the issue of January 25. Two points at least reveal the fact that the reviewer has not even read the book carefully and seems to have missed the main significance of the story. The accusatory note was not written by the subordinate and did not refer to the condemned action, and there is no final desertion by the wife. There is remarkable artistry in the, consistent style, reminiscent of Mary Webb’s Precious Bane, and true appreciation of a human dilemma. In portraying the basic problem of the father-son relationship, Alan Paton throws fresh light on his earlier book, and deals ably with the question "Why do sons go wrong?" Each of the men to whom Pieter attempted to unburden his soul missed his need, and did not make it possible for him to talk out his problem. I would recommend this discerning author to those who wish to deepen their understanding of the intricacies of human relationships, and hope they will not be discouraged by a misleading and inadequate review.
ENID F.
COOK
(Christchurch).
Sir,--I must confess that my experience on reading Too Late the Phalarope was different from that of your reviewer, and I would be sorry if his inaccurate account deters admirers of Cry the Beloved Country from reading this second book. Too Late the Phalarope carries us to the heart of Afrikander colour prejudice, and shows Paton’s extraordinary understanding of an attitude that politically he is pledged to oppose. But it is more than a tract on race relations; it is an adventure into the deep waters of
human motives, into the torment that can destroy a strong man against his will. There is poetry in the Biblical language and a rare subtlety in handling what might be thought by some to be a sordid episode. It is slow moving as the Tallis Fantasia, and as irresistible; but you must settle down and listen.
W. L.
COX
(Christchurch).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19540212.2.12.2
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 760, 12 February 1954, Page 5
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355A BOOK REVIEW New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 760, 12 February 1954, Page 5
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
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