The Book Review

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 36, 22 March 1929, Page 12

The Book Review

QUIET CITIES.

Joseph

Hergesheimer

THE title encourages hope that amid burden and heat of the day-and general uproar-there may be discoverea mental and spiritual oasis. This, however, is not the case. In these tales Mr. Hergesheimer has gathered material from _ stirring and lawless days of an America long past: a land where battle, murder and violent death were the rule, not the exception, mixed races predominant, and _ the saeredness of human life non-existent plank of social platform. Amid varying grades of American fiction-makers Mr. Hergesheimer ranks high, being suave psychologist, skilful analyst of humanity’s motives, and brilliant in visualisation of periods both ancient and modern. Most of the narrative concerns violence, and warring of many nations and ereeds. Episodes of grim horror are cheek by jowl, so to speak, with shadowy loveliness of old, dim cities and lure of wide prairies. Sylvester Dering, gambler, soldier of fortune, ever ready with rifle or rapier, is one day beckoned by some mystery of the spirit, casts evil communications and sinister river of ill omen, and seeks peace and ensues it in a City Beautiful, "where walks were set with lemon and orange branches, black-green magnolias and tulip trees." There, listening t> melodious singing of pious negro doggerel, with his pocketful of dollars and newfound content, the rake and murderer discovers soul of goodness in things evil. Destiny which has no mercy on contrite hearts, finds him out in his high green bluff, resurrecting his past in person of vile, beautiful quadroon, who in malice fouls his retreat and shatters dreams. Nothing for it then but the river and the roughs, to whom a repentant sinner returns to preach gospel of beauty and peace that passes understanding. In noisome and blood-curdling narrative of the slave-trade we renew acquaintance with the three Black Pennys, protagonists in earlier brilliant novel; while in contrasting genre is tale of Nicholas Ellisett and son Ambrose, who, even as sons do now, falls in love with the wrong girl. There is an admirably etched impression of Brook Farm; from which sanctuary of plain living and hard work the damsel is lured by simple, subtle, strategic lure of necklace of emeralds, the wicked green fire of which extinguishes enthusiasm for simple life; as has been the way with many a maid since those days of Brook Farm, Louisa Alcott and George Washington. Deft is Mr. Hergesheimer, with ear attuned to quaint dialogue and fancy to vivid exploitation of past period of romance; but, in the opinion of many, the American short story still lags far behind the best that emanate from other countries.-R.U.R.