SYKES, Jessica S. C.
⸺ THE M’DONNELLS. Pp. 299. (Heinemann). 6s. 1905.
Aims at presenting picture of early Victorian manners and morals as seen in the life of this (rather unattractive) family, of Irish origin, but living in England, and in their surroundings. It was a period lacking in ideals and unstirred by new ideas, artistic, literary, or other. The Author paints it stupid, gross, and material, and seems to sum it up as “humbug” (from a review in the Athenæum).
Lord Charles Beresford, in a letter to the writer (see Pref.), acknowledges the book as “a true picture of English and Irish life in the upper circles of society five and forty years ago,” and that “it explains the idiocrasies (sic) of the Irish people, both Nationalist and Orange, and gives a clear explanation of the real causes of the unceasing discontent and strife existing in our sister isle.” “I have tried to give a description of the condition ... to which English females of position were reduced by a wave of Evangelical cant and exaggerated morality....”—(Pref.). Has written also Algernon Casterton and Mark Alston.
“SYNAN, A.,” [see CLERY, A. E.]
TAUNTON, M.
⸺ THE LAST OF THE CATHOLIC O’MALLEYS. (Washbourne. N.Y.: Kenedy).
Scene: Western Mayo, about 1798, but no historical events are introduced. An unpretentious little story, telling how Grace is married at fifteen against her will to a disreputable young man. He grows fond of her, and dies penitent three years after. Their child is stolen by a too fond nurse. The child grows up and joins the navy. Years after, Grace, who has married a naval officer, gets her sailor son back.
TAYLOR, Mary Imlay.