BLOOD, BLOOD AND STILL MORE BLOOD

Radio Record, 17 June 1938, Page 30

BLOOD, BLOOD AND STILL MORE BLOOD

jt will no doubt astonish readers of the Marquise de Verdieres’s new novel, "Golden Hair," to learn that its author kas been in the news ‘recently for saving the cottages of Cornish fishermen from demolition and thereby setting them back at their life’s jobs. For, to tell the truth, "Golden Hair" is the most bloodthirsty book that has come off the presses for some time. The last thing one would expect’ of the Marquise would be an interest in Cornish cottages. This shocker begins characteristically: "It was a handsome passage but I did not like it. In spite of brilliant lights and opulent carpet it seemed sinister; and when [I came to a door inscribed ‘John England,’ my instincr was to turn and fly." But Philippa Loveday, the goldenhaired beauty who made these observations, did not fly. Unfortunately for her, and to the increasing horror of the reader who cares to follow her misfortunes, she goes in at the door marked "John England." The result is her engagement as companion for a rich and mysterious woman in South Africa, her sea yoyage and romance with a red-headed young man, her arrival at the rich woman’s house in Cape Town, There she is imprisoned. ordered with some brutality to marry a Malay and then, when she very properly refuses, is threatened with things (whisper this!) much more. than death. Percing screams, padding footsteps, blood and sexual maniacs thereafter crowd into the plot in 4 glorious confusion of abominations. If you are the type who likes to see all the villains wiped off the slate and only the hero and heroine left alive to propagate a better race, then you might enjoy "Golden Hair." Otherwise you will probably think the horror rather crudely overdone and the literary construction of the novel too loose to hold interest. "Golden Hair," by Marquise de Vere dieres (John Long Ltd., London). Our copy from the publishers.