Books.

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 24, 28 December 1928, Page 13

Books.

MR. HODGE AND MR. HAZARD. , (Hlinor Wylie.) Miss WYLIE’S latest novel is a delightful work, subtle and distinguished in phraseology, and acutely observant and analytic in character. Quite episodic, it is merely a narration of some months ‘in the life of a middle-aged poet, who, about the year 1840, returned from abroad to live for a short space in his native land, finling solace for racked body and frayel nerves amid blossoming trees and low- — lying valleys of the English country- — side. , Here he meets a Watteau-like beauty, who is the lucky possessor OL eyes that are sapphire and a. heart that is erystal kind. In _ spiritual. adoration of her the tempest-torn heart of the poet finds temporary heating; and also he delights in the lovely laughing nymphs who are Lady — Clara’s daughters, and answer to the © musical and Miltonic names of Allegra and Penserosa. When reading this charming fantasy one’s attention is enchained by perfection of word painting, and a rare and. acute consciousness of nuances of the | spiritual life, those shallows and heights and depths that go to make up the manifestations of what is loosely and generally known as the artistic temperament. The story is subtle and slight, merely an exquisite chronicling of picnic and play hours of a rebel and a dreamer with the lovely ladies of his heart; whom, true to his cult, he deifies into gracious goddesses of misty romance.-R.U.R.