"The conception of the plot is admirable—the characters finely portrayed—the scenery true to nature and the interest maintained throughout. Its life-like pictures, as well as the style of its author must commend it to every one who feels any interest in the revival of a genuine, home-bred American literature. When such tales as this reflecting on our own manners, scenery, morals and laws can be produced, there is little reason that our fiction-writers should be superseded by foreigners. A tale of equal merit with this, so neatly told, so entirely American, has not of late been issued from the press.
"The scenery of Central New York—a sail on the placid waters of Cayuga Lake in summer, and across the ice which covers it in winter—the picturesque views around Auburn and the grand sublimity of Niagara, are alike portrayed in vivid characters.
"Character is as well delineated as scenery. Dark and light shades—gay and corrupt life—vanity, vice and virtue, all perform their appropriate parts, in making up a goodly number of men and women, who once fairly introduced, carry themselves very naturally through plot and counter plot, to the close of a story which aptly illustrates the elements composing American society, in its various phases. There are many such victims as Melville, and many such true hearted girls as Bell Mortimer.
"We do not pretend that the writer has attained perfection. The book has faults—but these may be overcome by a writer of so much real ability, and we hope his pen will not be allowed to remain idle.
"GEORGE MELVILLE is a pleasant story—written in a chaste style with a good moral, and we cheerfully commend it to our readers."
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