This story is the first of the author’s proposed “Trilogy of destiny,” three stories of Russian life. It follows the career of a famous Russian composer who was destined by a cruel unscrupulous, iron-handed father for the army and intrigue. How he slips thru the clutches of what seemed inevitable fate and is saved to a life which develops the artist’s temperament in him is presented with a free stroke in keeping with the rapid action.
“The book is not without some strong pages. But as a picture of Russian life it is not to be taken seriously.” Frederic Taber Cooper.
+ – Bookm. 23: 283. My. ’06. 360w.
“This is the best written and the sanest of any of Miss Potter’s books. It is impossible, however, to approve such liberties as she has taken with the lives of men so lately dead.”
+ – Critic. 48: 573. Je. ’06. 170w.
Reviewed by Wm. M. Payne.
+ – Dial. 40: 366. Je. 1, ’06. 280w.
“A book in certain qualities rather above the average, but its ambitiously cultivated style is a fair example of the way in which English should not be written.”
+ – Lond. Times. 5: 158. My. 4, ’06. 230w.